City of Mount Gambier Annual Report 2018/2019 Annual Report 2018/2019 CONTENTS _

Introduction 2 Community 17 Mayor’s message 3 Australian citizenship ceremonies 18 Elected Member information 4 Junior Sports Assistance Fund 19 Elected Member attendance 4 Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s 20 2018 Local Government Elections 5 Christmas Appeal Mount Gambier Library 21 Council and committees 6 Annie’s Story; Growing up strong on 21 Strategic Management Plan Framework 9 Boandik Country Decision making structure of Council 10 Tattooist of Auschwitz author visit 22 Organisational chart 12 National Simultaneous Storytime 2019 22 CEO’s message 13 GovHack open data competition 23 Senior executive officers 15 The Riddoch and Main Corner Complex 24 City of Mount Gambier staff 16 International Limestone Coast Video Art 24 Festival Play On: The art of sport 24 Public art initiative 26 Tertiary Health Education Grants Program 27 Mount Gambier Children’s Centre John 29 Powell Reserve initiative AF Sutton Memorial Park Community Day 30 Australia Day Awards 32 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 35 Mount Gambier community events 36 Rook Walk Centenary Celebration 36 Mount Gambier Christmas Parade 38 Local ‘brass band man’ honoured 40 Australian Baseball League 41 2019 Fringe Festival 42 Profile ID: Community and Economic 44 Profile General Inspector statistics 45 Dog and Cat Management Plan 2018-2023 46 Pet owners urged to be responsible 46 Council renews support for SEAWL 48 Community services, lifestyle, welfare and 49 wellbeing Environmental health and community 50 health statistics Environment 51 Tourism and Economic Development 77 Clean Up Australia Day 52 Tourism and visitor services snapshot 78 Waste snapshot 53 Community events contribution to 79 Environmental sustainability highlights 54 economic development Sort and save initiative 55 Limestone Coast Investment Showcase 80 Cycling consultation 55 Guides of Mount Gambier funding boost 81 Limestone Coast Bushfire Management 56 Guides of Mount Gambier pilot program 82 Plan success Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 56 Tourism industry evenings 83 Stormwater management 56 Umpherston Sinkhole nominated for 7 84 Wonders of Australia Sid’s Lid removal 56 Governance 85 Infrastructure 57 Council policies, registers and codes 86 Street trees 58 Elected Member training and development 89 Airport federal funding announcement 59 Member allowances and reimbursements 91 Installation of no stopping zones on 59 Jubilee Highway East Elector representation review 92 Removal of Hay Drive bridge and 60 By-laws 93 construction of roadway Freedom of information 93 Building Fire Safety Committee 61 Confidentiality provisions 94 Boundary roads 61 Community land 96 Infrastructure works 61 Internal review of council actions 96 Crime prevention strategies 62 Finance 97 Concrete footpath construction 62 South Australian Local Government 98 ReUse Market opening 63 Grants Commission data Building division 64 Strategic financial management 99 Mount Gambier Railway Lands and Rail 64 and sustainability Trail added to the Heart Foundation Annual Business Plan and Budget 99 ‘Healthy Active by Design’ website Budget analysis 100 Frew Park RV park and dump point 65 Procurement and competitive tendering 102 Council Assessment Panel 66 Fixed asset snapshot 104 National construction code changes 67 Rates 105 Community and Recreation Hub 68 Residential rates comparison 106 Local Heritage Restoration Fund 74 Auditors and Audit Committee 107 Carinya Gardens Cemetery 74 Selected general statistics 108 Carinya Gardens Cemetery custom 75 Projections and target for 2019/2020 109 equipment financial year Blue Lake Golf Course leasing options 75 Table of contents: Financial Statements 110 discussed Certification of Financial Statements 111 Lake Terrace Cemetery 150th 76 commemoration Statement of Comprehensive Income 112 Statement of Financial Position 113 Statement of Changes in Equity 114 Statement of Cash Flows 115 Notes to and forming part of the 116 Financial Statements Certification of Auditor Independence 144 Independent Auditors Report 145 Statement by Auditor 149

1 WELCOME TO THE CITY OF MOUNT GAMBIER 2018/2019 ANNUAL REPORT _ The Annual Report provides an opportunity for the City of Mount Gambier to inform the community of its operations, activities and achievements during the 2018/2019 financial year and fulfils Council’s legislative requirements under the Local Government Act 1999. The Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of how the Council is responding to the challenges of a growing and evolving regional city. It also reflects the strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of good governance and acts to monitor the Council’s financial and service performance. The format of this Annual Report is presented under the following headings: • Community, • Environment, • Infrastructure, • Tourism and Economic Development, • Governance, and • Finance. Each year the Council delivers many initiatives to help improve the quality of life for our community and value for money for ratepayers and we hope you find the Annual Report informative and an accurate reflection of the City’s activity and achievements for the 2018/2019 financial year.

2 MAYOR’S MESSAGE _

It has been almost a year since the local government elections held in November 2018 which resulted in eight members of the community being elected to represent Mount Gambier residents and ratepayers. Four incumbent members of Council welcomed four new faces, along with myself as the 34th Mayor of our city and the second female Mayor in our 143 year history. Mount Gambier is the largest city in regional continues to work towards an important South Australia and advocates for lifelong milestone with the anticipated endorsement of learning which not only applies to our residents, a Reconciliation Action Plan, a document which but also to Elected Members. The four newly will clearly define our shared vision towards elected Councillors and I have much to learn reconciliation and will also highlight actions about local government and how our council which aim to create meaningful change for our operates within the parameters of the Local community. Government Act. However, it is also important I am pleased to report that Council is in a strong for the members returning for a further term financial position as you will see when reading to continually learn as by doing so we will work this Annual Report and this is a result of prudent together to make Mount Gambier the best it can management by Elected Members and staff. be for our residents. Council has an amazing team of dedicated Elected Members are currently reviewing employees and it has been my privilege to Council’s strategic plan being the Community meet them and I wish to thank them for their Plan - The Futures Paper 2016–2020, together commitment in assisting Elected Members to with Council’s other key strategic documents carry out their roles. supported by the Long Term Financial Plan, the Asset and Infrastructure Management Plan and In May, Council welcomed new Chief Executive the Annual Business Plan and Budget. Officer Andrew Meddle who has settled into his new role well and I look forward to working closely I congratulate the previous Council on their with Andrew to deliver new and improved services achievements over the past four years and look and amenities to our city. forward to continuing that good work for our community. Mount Gambier is a digitally connected city, well placed to grow our tourism market, to attract and One very important project for Council is the retain new residents, to grow industry and in turn delivery of the Mount Gambier Community and the economy for the benefit of our residents and Recreation Hub planned for completion in late ratepayers. 2021. I take the opportunity to thank Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP for the Federal I have pleasure in presenting to you the Government’s $15million contribution to this 2018/2019 City of Mount Gambier Annual Report. project and also to Premier Steven Marshall for _ the State Government’s $10million contribution. This is the largest funding commitment to our city in its history and will provide a life changing facility for our residents for decades to come. Lynette Martin OAM Mount Gambier is a multicultural city and MAYOR welcomes people from many different countries, as well as our first nation’s peoples. Council

3 ELECTED MEMBER INFORMATION _

Following the 2018 Local Government Elections the Council is comprised of a Mayor and eight Councillors, elected at large.

Council 2018-2022 (L-R) Cr Kate Amoroso, Cr Frank Morello, Cr Ben Hood, Mayor

Lynette Martin OAM, Cr Paul Photo credit: Louise Agnew Photography. Jenner, Cr Sonya Mezinec (Deputy Mayor), Cr Max Bruins, Cr Christian Greco, Cr Steven Perryman.

Council meetings - November 2018 to June 2019 ELECTED MEMBER ATTENDANCE Elected Meetings Apologies Absent without Leave of _ Member attended apology absence Mayor Martin 16 1 0 The following is the recorded Cr Amoroso 14 2 1 attendance (or apologies) of Cr Bruins 16 1 0 Elected Members at the 12 Cr Greco 12 5 0 ordinary Council meetings Cr Hood 15 2 0 and the 11 special Council Cr Jenner 13 4 0 meetings held during the 2018/2019 year. Cr Mezinec 16 1 0 Cr Morello 15 2 0 Attendance records are Cr Perryman 13 4 0 separated to reflect the membership of Council up to and following the November Council meetings – July 2018 to October 2018 2018 Local Government Elections. Elected Meetings Apologies Absent without Leave of Member attended apology absence Mayor Lee 6 0 0 Cr Greco 4 2 0 Cr Lovett 4 2 0 Cr Lynagh 3 3 0 Cr Mezinec 5 1 0 Cr Morello 5 1 0 Cr Mutton 3 3 0 Cr Perryman 4 0 2 Cr Persello 6 0 0 Cr Richardson 6 0 0 Cr Von Stanke 6 0 0

4 City of Mount Gambier Manager Executive Administration places his election vote into the ballot box. 2018 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS _

Local Government Elections are held every four years in November. Mayoral and Councillor elections for the City of Mount Gambier were held in November 2018 with three candidates vying for the position of Mayor and 19 candidates competing for eight Councillor positions. From November 2014 until November 2018 Council was comprised of a Mayor, Andrew Lee, The scrutiny and count for the Councillor election and ten Councillors, Sonya Mezinec, Steven continued until mid-afternoon on Tuesday 13 Perryman, Josh Lynagh, Des Mutton, Mark November 2018 with a computer count allocating Lovett, Christian Greco, Ian Von Stanke, Penny candidate preferences. Richardson, Frank Morello and Hanna Persello. The final results for the Mayoral and Councillor The election process starts in the preceding elections were notified to Council and candidates January when the Council Voters Roll is purged, by the Electoral Commission SA on Friday 19 following which any persons who are not on the November 2018 which officially ended the House of Assembly Roll for the area must make election process. application before the close of roll to be eligible Ben Hood, Steven Perryman, Sonya Mezinec, to nominate as a candidate or vote in the Local Kate Amoroso, Max Bruins, Christian Greco, Government Elections. Frank Morello and Paul Jenner were elected as Preparatory activities for the election continued Councillors. throughout 2018 in conjunction with the Local The 2018 City of Mount Gambier Elections Government Association and the Electoral resulted in the appointment of a new Mayor and Commission SA, including promotions to raise the re-election of four sitting Councillors and awareness and encourage participation in the election of four new Councillors (including one election process. former Councillor from an earlier term). Three Candidate nominations opened on 4 September sitting Councillors were unsuccessful in their re- 2018 for a period of two weeks coinciding with the election attempt, together with other candidates commencement of the election caretaker period (including two former Councillors from earlier which continued until the final declaration of the terms) who also did not secure a position. election results. Council assumes a caretaker The first meeting of the newly elected Council role during this period with restrictions and was held on Thursday 22 November 2018 at prohibition on certain activities that could, or be 6:00pm in the Council Chamber where Elected perceived to, benefit any candidate or group of Members each read a Declaration of Office. candidates or otherwise influence the outcome of Councillor Sonya Mezinec was appointed to the the election. position of Deputy Mayor. Postal voting commenced in late October 2018 The next Local Government Elections are with the issue of voting papers by the Electoral scheduled to be held in November 2022, unless Commission SA and voting closed at 5:00pm on a supplementary election is necessary to fill any Friday 9 November 2018. vacancy arising in the meantime. It is a policy A scrutiny and count commenced on the morning of the City of Mount Gambier to not hold a of Saturday 10 November 2018 with Mrs Lynette supplementary election to fill a single Councillor Martin OAM being provisionally declared as vacancy that arises between elections. However, Mayor at 6:00pm that evening. a second or subsequent Councillor vacancy, or a vacancy in the position of Mayor would trigger a supplementary election(s). 5 COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES (AS AT JUNE 2019) _

Her Worship the Mayor Cr Sonya Mezinec Cr Kate Amoroso Mrs Lynette Martin OAM Deputy Mayor Council committee positions Council committee positions Council committee positions • Operational Standing • CEO Review Committee • Strategic Standing Committee (Presiding Member) Committee • Junior Sports Assistance • CEO Selection and • CEO Review Committee Fund Recruitment Committee (as Deputy Mayor) Other positions (November 2018 - March • Regional Sport and 2019) • Australia Day Awards Recreation Centre Selection Panel Ex officio Committee • Australia Day Celebrations • Strategic Standing • Audit Committee Advisory Group Committee (Presiding Member) • Mount Gambier Community • Operational Standing • CEO Selection and Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Committee Recruitment Committee (November 2018 - March • Mount Gambier Christmas • Audit Committee 2019) Parade Advisory Group • Junior Sports Assistance • Mount Gambier Youth Fund Other positions Advisory Group • Limestone Coast Local • Regional Sport and Government Association • Regional Sport and Recreation Centre (proxy - as Deputy Mayor) Recreation Advisory Group Committee • Local Government • Seniors Month Advisory Other positions Association (proxy - as Group • Limestone Coast Local Deputy Mayor) • Limestone Coast Government Association Violence Against Women • Local Government Collaboration Association

6 Cr Max Bruins Cr Christian Greco Cr Ben Hood Council committee positions Council committee positions Council committee positions • Strategic Standing • Operational Standing • Strategic Standing Committee Committee (Presiding Committee Member) • Regional Sport and • Regional Sport and Recreation Centre • Junior Sports Assistance Recreation Centre Committee Fund (Presiding Member) Committee (Presiding Member) • CEO Review Committee (as Presiding Member • CEO Selection and Operational Standing Recruitment Committee Committee) (November 2018 - March 2019)

Other positions • Mount Gambier and District Airport (DC Grant S41) Committee • Limestone Coast Zone Emergency Centre Committee (Local Government Deputy Controller)

7 COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES (AS AT JUNE 2019) _

Cr Paul Jenner Cr Frank Morello Cr Steven Perryman Council committee positions Council committee positions Council committee positions • Operational Standing • Strategic Standing • Operational Standing Committee Committee (Presiding Committee Member) • Council Assessment Panel • CEO Selection and • CEO Review Committee (as Recruitment Committee • Building Fire Safety Presiding Member Strategic (November 2018 - March Committee (Presiding Standing Committee) 2019) Member) • Regional Sport and Other positions Other positions Recreation Centre • Tourism Mount Gambier • Joint Boundary Roads Committee Board Advisory Group (with DC • CEO Selection and Grant) Recruitment Committee • LCLGA Limestone Coast (November 2018 - March Climate Adaptation 2019) Committee Other positions • LCLGA Regional Waste • Limestone Coast Economic Management Steering Development Reference Committee Group • LCLGA Roads and Transport • Mount Gambier Aquatic Management Group Centre Advisory Group • Limestone Coast Violence Against Women Collaboration

8 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK _

The Community Plan and the Futures Paper are The Community Plan Council's key strategic documents, supported The Community Plan was developed by drawing by the Long Term Financial Plan, the Asset on the aspirations and issues raised by the and Infrastructure Management Plan and the community during the development of the Futures Annual Business Plan and Budget. Paper. The Community Plan was endorsed by These plans identify the direction, services and Council at its meeting in May 2016 and was facilities that Council wishes to provide for the prepared by Council in partnership with the community during the next four years and beyond. community to guide decision making. A Futures Paper for City Development The plan identifies the outcomes Council seeks to The City Development Framework Project was achieve and the strategies that will be put in place fundamental in the development of the Futures to deliver them. Paper. This project commenced to ensure Council The Community Plan will be reviewed within the has a robust and planned approach to meet the first two years of the 2018-2022 Council term. current and future challenges facing the City. The Our Vision project involved the development of strategies An inclusive city where people lead fulfilling lives. incorporating economic, social, environmental and community opportunities and aspirations. The richness and diversity of: The Futures Paper looks forward and focuses on • Our People, two key questions: • Our Location, 1. Is what we have done in the past going to • Our Economy, and sustain our community and economy into the • Our Climate, Natural Resources, Art, Culture future? and Heritage 2. What do we need to change or introduce to are what makes Mount Gambier the thriving and ensure that our community and economy are successful place that people are proud to call sustainable into the future? home. The Futures Paper was developed entirely on the These elements will contribute to the future aspirations and issues raised and identified by growth and development of the City and form the people within the community and was based on goals of Council's Community Plan - The Futures sound academic research that identified four key Paper 2016-2020. characteristics of successful cities which are: Council strives to create vibrancy, promote our • Home to a highly skilled population, identity and build a reputation for the City as a • Centrally located, at the heart of a rich place to live, work, visit and invest. To provide a market and/or well positioned for trade with future for our people, sustained economic growth expanding markets, and employment is needed as well as recreational • A diversified economy with a significant and educational opportunities. proportion of high order services, and Through the development of corporate key • Boasts a climate and/or natural setting performance indicators, Council undertakes superior to most other cities in the nation. quarterly reporting on the achievement of the strategies contained in the Community Plan. Using the Futures Paper as a guiding strategy These are available on Council's website at for the long term development of the City, www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au Council is able to develop policies and align and allocate resources where the most benefit can be achieved.

9 DECISION MAKING STRUCTURE OF COUNCIL _

Council has adopted a structure of committees to facilitate good governance and informed decision making processes. Committee structure Council’s Committee structure is set out below (as at June 2019).

Council Mount Gambier Regional Assessment Panel Sport and Recreation (Statutory Committee) Centre Committee (Section 41)

Audit Committee COUNCIL (Statutory) CEO Performance Review Committee (Section 41) Building Fire Safety Committee (Statutory) Strategic Standing Committee (Section 41) Junior Sports Operational Assistance Standing Committee Fund (Section 41) Committee (Section 41)

The following sub-committees in place prior to Council also supports the following informal the 2018 Local Government Elections remained in advisory groups which meet as required to recess as at 30 June 2019 pending consideration provide input to Council officers and Members on of their necessity by Council: various community events and activities. • Environmental Sustainability Sub-Committee Advisory Groups • Community Engagement and Social Inclusion Sub-Committee • Joint Boundary Roads • Mount Gambier Youth (YAG) • Heritage Sub-Committee • Australia Day Awards Selection Panel • Australia Day Breakfast • Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre • Seniors Month • Mount Gambier Christmas Parade • Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal

10 Council meetings are held at the Council Delegations Chamber, Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace To ensure the efficient performance of operations Mount Gambier on the third Tuesday of each and activities, Council delegates certain powers month at 6:00pm. and functions to the Chief Executive Officer. Standing committee meetings are held the week These delegations are reviewed annually by preceding Council meetings as follows (unless Council. otherwise amended or altered by Council or the The Chief Executive Officer further subdelegates relevant standing committee): certain powers and functions as necessary to Strategic Standing Committee - normally second specified officer positions. Monday of each month commencing at 5:30pm. The delegation instruments reference which Operational Standing Committee - normally legislative powers are delegated/subdelegated second Tuesday of each month commencing at and any limitations or conditions that are 5:45pm. applicable to those (sub) delegations. Council meetings and committee meetings Delegations were reviewed and adopted by are open to the public and Council encourages Council on 19 March 2019 and are available for attendance. public inspection at the Council office and are also published on the Council website - While members of the public are not normally www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au permitted to speak at meetings, individuals may be invited to make a deputation. Any person wishing to have a matter considered by Council should make a request in writing to the Chief Executive Officer for presentation to the Presiding Member of the relevant Council or Committee meeting. Agenda closing dates apply. Please check with Council for timeframes and the date/times of relevant meetings. Agendas of all meetings are placed on public display not less than three clear days prior to the meeting. Minutes of meetings are placed on display within five days of a meeting. Agendas and minutes are also published on the Council website - www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au In addition to the aforementioned Standing Committees, other committees meet as and when required.

11 ORGANISATIONAL CHART _

ELECTED COUNCIL

Chief Executive Officer

CEO & Mayoral Support General Manager City Growth

Human Resources & WHS Carinya Development Gardens Control & Media & Communications Regulatory General Services General Manager Inspectorate Community Wellbeing Tourism & Community Economic Development Library Environmental Events Health Riddoch Art General Manager Gallery, Arts & Community Council Business Services Culture, Main Development & Corner Engagement iServices Audit/Internal Controls Environmental Customer Sustainability Service, Finance Executive & Rates Administration General Manager City Infrastructure Strategic Management Engineering Depot (Building (including Design & Maintenance, Procurement Contract Parks & & Asset Management Gardens, Management) Construction & Infrastructure Maintenance)

Caroline Landfill

Waste Management (including Transfer Station) & ReUse Market

12 CEO’S MESSAGE _

This year has seen a great deal of change • In the visitor within our community and Council. With Local economy Government Elections held last November, a partnering with new team has taken over the responsibility the industry group for moving the City forward. This change has Tourism Mount brought a new approach to business and an Gambier, including public access Wi-Fi and an appetite for increasing the pace of change. enhanced digital tourism presence. The change in Elected Members has been • The launch of the ReUse Market in October matched by changes in senior staff at the Council 2018 providing an opportunity for the with former CEO Mark McShane retiring and then community to reuse materials and reduce a period of interim management under Graeme material going to landfill. Community support Maxwell until my arrival in late May. I would like to for the initiative has been overwhelming with thank my predecessors for their unstinting efforts more than 500 people visiting the market and to continually improve our city and Council. more than 250 transactions made during one Whilst only at the helm for a month in the of the first open days. This trend continues 2018/2019 municipal year I have already noted almost one year later. the great range of spaces and places there are • Completion of stage three of the Rail Trail in the City which are matched by a high level of project. The shared walking and cycling path aspiration within the community and the team of now extends from Jubilee Highway West to staff. Wandilo Road and past Pick Avenue to Jubilee The Council has made some courageous Highway East, to link with a walking track at decisions in the last year and has made Blue Lake Sports Park, providing an extra 2.6 significant investments into major, kilometres. The total length of the trail now transformational projects for the community, measures 7.42 kilometres. as well as improving and enhancing the range of • Partnering with other agencies to promote services available. Mount Gambier as a place to live, work, Specific actions include: study and visit. We have been focused on our liveability and our points of difference from • Significant investment in preliminary other regional centres. development work which led to the securing of $25million of State and Federal government • The delivery of and support to community grants to underwrite the future investment in events. In 2018, the Council invested the Community and Recreation Hub. This will $440,094 (financial and in-kind) to support be a transformational project where a once local events, with a conservative estimated in a lifetime opportunity has been seized by return of more than $16.4million in economic Council on behalf of its community. Work on benefits to Mount Gambier. this exciting project is expected to be ongoing • Advocating and working in partnership to until late 2021. enable Mount Gambier to maintain state • Progression of the GigCity project to deliver services, to attract grant funds and to ensure ultra-fast internet connections for our the City and region receive its share of community, matching capital city speeds. resources. This project enables us to not only deliver In 2019/2020, as part of the Infrastructure and liveability but also connectivity, setting us Asset Management Plan Forward Works Program apart from other regional centres through the the old Railway Station building will receive a provision of speedy access for data hungry long awaited face lift to the value of $371,000. business users. A Pump Track will be constructed at Hastings Cunningham Reserve.

13 CEO CHANGES CEO’S MESSAGE After more than seven years in the top _ job, Chief Executive Officer Mark McShane retired from the role on Friday 15 February 2018. The project is designed to encourage community Graeme Maxwell was appointed as interim spirit, learning and promote an active outdoor CEO from Monday 18 February until Friday 17 lifestyle for all. In a coup for the City, it also May 2019. includes the right to host at least two Red Bull The City of Mount Gambier thanks Mark and Pump Track World Championship qualifying Graeme for their contributions to Council. meetings locally and will provide a major tourism and economic boost to Mount Gambier. Current CEO Andrew Meddle began in the position on Monday 27 May 2019. Our community has unlimited aspirations, but the Council has limited financial resources. With effective financial management the Council is in a strong position and can meet the needs of current and future residents, students, workers and visitors. As a result of this sound financial management, investment in capital enhancement, capital renewal and other key projects has been possible without significant borrowings. We continue to deliver a wide range of services, some new and others ongoing. Many activities demonstrate a step change in the way the Council services and engages with its residents, compared to what would have been expected five or ten years previously. _

Andrew Meddle CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mayor Martin with outgoing CEO, Mark McShane.

Mayor Martin with interim CEO, Graeme Maxwell.

Mayor Martin with current CEO, Andrew Meddle.

14 SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS _

For the purposes of the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 1999, the Senior Executive Officers (SEO’s) of Council are defined as: • Chief Executive Officer, and • Four General Managers. The remuneration and benefits of the SEO's are detailed in Council's Salary Register available by request at the Council office. Remuneration includes salary, superannuation and a vehicle or salary equivalent. Each SEO is employed on a five year fixed term contract of employment. The General Manager portfolios are as follows:

General Manager General Manager General Manager General Manager City Infrastructure City Growth Community Wellbeing Council Business Services Mr Nick Serle Dr Judy Nagy Ms Barbara Cernovskis Ms Pamela Lee Incorporating: Incorporating: Incorporating: Incorporating: • Engineering • Tourism, and Contract • Carinya Gardens, • Library, • Finance, Management, • Development • Environmental • Rates, • Infrastructure, Control and Sustainability, • Internal Audit, • Depot, Building Regulatory • Environmental • IT and Records Maintenance, Parks Services, Health, Management, and Gardens, and • Events, and • Riddoch Art Gallery, • Executive • Waste • Economic Arts and Culture, Administration, Management, Main Corner, Development. • Customer Service, including Caroline • Community and Landfill and ReUse Development and • Governance and Market. Engagement, and Strategy. • Heritage. Pamela Lee resigned from City of Mount Gambier effective 12 June 2018. Jeroen Zwijnenburg is currently acting in the role.

General Manager City Infrastructure Nick Serle (left), Acting General Manager Council Business Services Jeroen Zwijnenburg, General Manager City Growth Judy Nagy, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Meddle, General Manager Community Wellbeing Barbara Cernovskis.

15 CITY OF MOUNT GAMBIER STAFF _

Portfolio Males Females Total Office of the CEO 2 7 9 Community Wellbeing 5 30 35 Council Business Services 6 23 29 City Growth 5 16 21 City Infrastructure 54 3 57 Totals 72 79 151

Total number of employees: 151 Full time equivalents*: 126.6 *including trainees

Equal Employment Opportunity The Equal Opportunity and Discrimination Principles Administrative Procedure was developed to: Council is committed to achieving fair and • Facilitate an all-inclusive culture of tolerance, equitable employment practices including: fairness, equity and diversity in the work • Merit-based recruitment, selection and environment, promotion, • Ensure that all employees are aware of • Access for all employees to appropriate inappropriate workplace behaviours and how training, development and employee to prevent them from occurring, assistance programs, and • Ensure the best person for each job is • Grievance handling procedures. selected based on merit, Responsibilities • Promote an understanding among all employees of the particular considerations All Council employees will treat everyone with and benefits of different diversity groups in respect and courtesy, and without harassment, the workplace, bullying or discrimination. All employees will at all times behave in a way that upholds the City • To provide and maintain so far as is of Mount Gambier’s values and the integrity and reasonably practicable, a working good reputation of the Council. environment and system of work that is safe and without risk to health, The City of Mount Gambier will: • Ensure legislative compliance with a view • Demonstrate commitment to equal to preventing all forms of discrimination, opportunity and diversity through its actions harassment and bullying, and and decision making, • Mitigate any employment-related • Demonstrate and embrace the principles of disadvantage for all employees and equal opportunity, workplace diversity and the particularly those from different groups. employee code of conduct, and • Facilitate a culture of inclusiveness.

16 COMMUNITY _ 17 AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES _

Five citizenship ceremonies were conducted Corne Ryan receives her Australian Citizenship Certificate by the City of Mount Gambier during the from Mayor Martin. 2018/2019 financial year, with a total of 25 people receiving Australian citizenship. New citizens were welcomed to the City from Burundi, England, India, Iran, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia provided complimentary tickets to the Royal Adelaide Show as a special gift for each person who received Australian citizenship in South Australia during the year. Representatives from Soroptimist International of Mount Gambier also attended the ceremonies to present a gift to every participant. For each public ceremony Council invites an individual or group to attend and lead in the singing of the National Anthem.

Amy Grouse (left) with Mayor Martin and Chanceline Kakule at an Australian Citizenship Ceremony hosted by City of Mount Gambier.

Photos: Kinship Productions

18 JUNIOR SPORTS ASSISTANCE FUND _

Membership of the Junior Sports Assistance The major considerations and achievements for Fund is comprised of the City of Mount the year included: Gambier and the District Council of Grant and • 17 sporting organisations/clubs as members a number of sporting organisations who have of the fund, agreed to become financial members. • Generous donation of $2,500 from The fund provides financial support for junior Commercial Club Inc. sports people who have achieved state selection or higher in a specific sport. The financial • Coaching clinic program of $5,000 funded by transactions and financial position of the fund in the fund. 2018/2019 is as follows: • The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes approached the fund to administer a program 2018/2019 financial position $ to support/assist financially disadvantaged Assistance to juniors 16,195 juniors of member organisations. The funding Support for special coaching clinics 5,000 provided is up to $3,000, dependent on applications, and is part of the surplus from Member contributions 8,192 the Blue Lake Fun Run. Council contributions 12,000 Bank interest earned 694 Donations received 1,500 Sponsorship of programs received 1,900 Cash at bank, 30 June 2019 95,360

For the 34 years of the fund’s operations, the consolidated transactions to 30 June 2019 are as follows:

Fund history $ Assistance to juniors 480,395 Support for special coaching clinics 90,383 Assistance to disadvantaged juniors 13,350 Member contributions 179,974 Council contributions 332,500 Bank interest earned 70,604 Donations received 46,086 Sponsorship of programs received 40,340 Other expenses 300 Government and bank charges 1,326 2018 Commercial Club Inc Exceptional Junior awardee Georgia Clarke was presented with a cheque by Commercial Club committee members Greg McCallum and Michael Cameron and Councillors Christian Greco and Kate Amoroso. Note that payments from the fund for assistance to juniors The talented hockey player received $1,000 through the did not commence until July 1988, funding for coaching fund, as part of a $2,500 donation from the Mount Gambier clinics did not commence until July 1991 and funding for Commercial Club to support junior sportspeople in the region. disadvantaged juniors did not commence until July 2012.

19 MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS APPEAL DONATIONS SKYROCKET _

The local community dug deep to support The funds raised through the appeal are provided those in need in 2018, raising $29,732.10 to local welfare agencies the Salvation Army, for the Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s St Vincent de Paul Society, Uniting Care Mount Christmas Appeal, the highest amount in Gambier, ac.care and Lifeline South East who several years. distribute food hampers and other benefits to those who require a helping hand at Christmas. City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin is grateful for the support of generous donors who “In 2018 the agencies assisted a total of 739 contributed to the appeal. children, 670 adults and 454 families through the Christmas Cheer program and I thank them for “I thank everyone who took the time to support their hard work.” the cause and think of the less fortunate in our community,” Mayor Martin said. “I am so pleased that our community could come together to raise almost $30,000 to provide hampers, toys, food vouchers and gift cards for those in need.”

20 MOUNT GAMBIER LIBRARY ANNIE’S STORY; GROWING UP _ STRONG ON BOANDIK COUNTRY NAIDOC Week saw the Library host the launch of a local artist’s book that tells the It is due to the support from the community story of the lives of the Boandik people in and commitment of staff that the Mount the region. Gambier Library has the agility and Michelle Jacqueline-Furr tells the story of her responsiveness to remain at the heart of the Grandmother Annie and her life growing up as community. Contributing to the wellbeing of a Boandik woman in the children’s storybook residents and visitors alike and adapting and titled ‘Annie’s Story; Growing up strong on responding to their needs is at the core of the Boandik Country’. The launch of Michelle’s Library’s operations and programs. book saw 125 people celebrate the Boandik The Library’s vision is to be an ever evolving place culture and share in Annie’s story. for ever evolving people and that has certainly been evident throughout the 2018/2019 year. Aside from our regular programs including; Baby Bounce, Move and Groove, Storytime, Minecraft Club, Robotics Club, LEGO Fan Club, 3D printing, Wacom tablets, Bookwell, local and family history help, computer lessons, Crochet Club, Chinese language lessons, Tuesday help desk, JP service, reading group, Tech Savvy Seniors, school holiday programs and more, a variety of events to cater to the needs of the entire community have also been delivered.

NUMBER OF VISITORS 348,132

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS Michelle Jacqueline-Furr at the launch of ‘Annie’s ADULTS 11,199 Story; Growing up strong on Boandik Country’. CHILDREN 7,570 TOTAL 18,769

13,976 NUMBER OF ACTIVE MEMBERS ITEMS 52,841 TOTAL NUMBER OF PROGRAMS LOANS 286,798 21 MOUNT GAMBIER LIBRARY _

TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ AUTHOR VISIT Library Programs Team Leader Kristi Leamey with Tattooist of Auschwitz Author 225 people attended the in-conversation Heather Morris. event with author Heather Morris to learn about the story of the Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist and the woman he loved. This story was based on years of interviews that Heather conducted with real life Holocaust survivor, Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov. Mount Gambier Library was one of the few libraries in Australia to secure Heather’s visit prior to her trip to America. Heather announced at the event that her book will be made into a blockbuster movie or BBC series.

NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME 2019 National Simultaneous Storytime was held across Australia on Wednesday 22 May 2019. The Mount Gambier Library performance saw more than 300 children enjoy a puppet show theatrical adaptation of the Matt Cosgrove book titled ‘Alpacas with Maracas’. Children and teachers alike enjoyed watching the hilarious characters come to life with laughter filling the City Hall. Adding to the excitement was a live musical accompaniment provided by James Morrison Academy students. “The event was a wonderful way to share the story with so many children in such a dynamic and creative way while taking part Library staff Kelly Lynch and Krista Owen (back) and Bec Coates and Danni Reade in a nationwide initiative,” Library Manager with special guests alpacas Macca and Georgina Davison said. Al following the National Simultaneous Storytime performance.

Library staff Kelly Lynch and Krista Owen (back) and Bec Coates and Danni Reade with special guest alpacas Macca and Al.

22 MOUNT GAMBIER LIBRARY _

GOVHACK OPEN DATA STATE AWARD WINNERS COMPETITION • Adult node team ‘Just We Three’ were winners of the ‘Your Friendly Council’ A record 45 local competitors participated in and ‘Lower Costs- Improving the Lives the 2018 GovHack Open Data competition, of South Australians’ categories for their designed to provide budding entrepreneurs concept ‘Connected - Councils Connecting with an opportunity to connect, share ideas Community’. They also received an and create innovative ways to access open honourable mention at national level in government data. the’Protecting our Carers’ category. The event ran simultaneously throughout • Youth node team ‘Bachmanns and Australia and New Zealand from Friday 7 Fulwoods’ were runners up at state level September until Sunday 9 September 2018, in the ‘City of Adelaide - the place to hosted locally at the Mount Gambier Library. live, work and play’ category for their In 46 hours of competition time 11 local teams concept ‘Backwards and Forwards - South worked together to workshop and develop Australian Edition’. ideas to compete in the youth node or adult • Youth node team, ‘Opt1c N3t’ received an node. Competition was fierce with Mount honourable mention at state level in the Gambier participants achieving both state and ‘Your Friendly Council’ category for their national success. concept ‘New Age Business’. NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS • Youth node team ‘Bachmanns and Fulwoods’ won ‘Best National Youth Team’ for their concept ‘Backwards and Forwards - South Australian Edition’. • Youth node team ‘Opt1c N3t’ received an honourable mention in the ‘On Your Marks, Get Set, Start Up’ category for their concept ‘New Age Business’.

Library Youth Services Coordinator Terasa Nearmy with 2018 GovHack awardees Liam Moulden and Declan Kowalick with sponsor Matt Cutting from Green Triangle Electronics and Library Manager Georgina Davison.

GovHack participants at the 2018 event.

23 THE RIDDOCH AND MAIN CORNER COMPLEX _

INTERNATIONAL LIMESTONE COAST VIDEO ART FESTIVAL PLAY ON: THE ART OF SPORT The Riddoch and Main Corner Complex hosted The Riddoch and Main Corner Complex the inaugural International Limestone Coast launched the touring exhibition Play On: Video Art Festival in Mount Gambier from 29 The art of sport on Friday 24 May 2019. September to 21 October 2018. A NETS Victoria, Ian Potter Museum of The theme for the festival was ‘The Lived Body’ Art and University of Melbourne touring with a focus on art projects that reveal the human exhibition, Play On: The art of sport relationship with technology and nature to celebrated 10 years of the Basil Sellers provide a metaphorical response via video art. Art Prize, the prestigious and distinctively Australian biennial exhibition reflecting upon The festival celebrated video art and placed one of Australia’s great national obsessions - special emphasis on innovative and ground- sport. breaking video art internationally, including the work of Australian and South Australian artists. The exhibition featured the winners and other key works from all five instalments Australian and international video artists were of the prize and brought together diverse invited to apply for a chance to win a grand prize explorations of the personal and collective of $3,000. The major prize winner was Ryan significance of sport and sporting culture Cherewaty from the Netherlands with a work from some of Australia’s most accomplished called ‘Static Glow’. artists including: Tony Albert, Richard Bell, “Static Glow is an accomplished work of video Daniel Crooks, Tarryn Gill and Pilar Mata art which combines computer graphics with a Dupont, Jon Campbell, Fiona McMonagle, narrative on the future of humanity. An artificial Richard Lewer and Gerry Wedd. intelligence reflects on what is humanity, what is “Sport cuts across society like few pursuits. identity and what is happiness,” Judge Julianne The exhibition really connects with regional Piece said. audiences and gives communities an “The work fits the theme of ‘The Lived Body’ opportunity to see some of Australia’s most by exploring what future bodies might be and exciting, leading and emerging Australian especially in a future where humans will live artists,” NETS Victoria Director Mardi Nowak alongside robots and artificial intelligence.” said. The winners of the high school award were The exhibition blended art and sport as two MJ Seymour and Emily Helps from St Martins universal languages of humanity to engage Lutheran College who received $500 for their new audiences and address broader issues submission called ‘Self Help’ that addressed such as gender and race relations. Some of issues of bullying and self-esteem among teenage the themes explored included sport culture, girls. gymnastics, AFL, running and community sport.

A still from “It goes even deeper: many hidden parallels ‘Static Glow’ by between the arts and the sports are Ryan Cherewaty - the winning presented to us in this exhibition, as they entry of the both enable us to cross between cultures, International Limestone communicate and express ourselves in an Coast Video Art emotional, mental and physical sense,” Festival. Riddoch Art Gallery Director and Manager

24 Lewer, the Theatre of Sports

Arts and Culture Development Dr Melentie Pandilovski said. “Persistence, balance, surmounting mental and physical circumstances, and being very driven are also attributes that connect arts and sports.” “Art and sport have been integral in my life and my practice and surf culture has permeated through my work for a long time. It is an honour to be part of this exhibition,” artist Gerry Wedd said.

Summation of Force

25 THE RIDDOCH AND MAIN CORNER COMPLEX _

PUBLIC ART INITIATIVE Commercial Street West became home to a trial public art initiative aiming to create interest in vacant shopfronts and increase foot traffic in the CBD in January 2019. Deputy Mayor Sonya The locally inspired artistic design aims to Mezinec, City of Mount Gambier Arts and create conversation, an appreciation for the Culture Development natural environment and to build civic pride Officer Serena Wong, artist/designer Kristyn within the City and region while highlighting Jones and Herbert the commercial opportunities available in the Commercial Real Estate agent Matt Kain in front heart of Mount Gambier. of the public art. The brief was to produce three designs that present Mount Gambier and the surrounding The landlord has been a willing participant in region in a format that is unique and will the public art initiative and understands that create interest. Artist/designer Kristyn Jones creating interest and increasing value in the created designs to meet the brief using a CBD precinct is a collaborative process. selection of photographer Ockert le Roux’s “The owner of this property is very happy to work and her own photography. see the energy invested into both the property “This piece is a series of three works which and the marketing for a new tenant,” Herbert all contain different iconic scenes. I wanted Commercial Real Estate agent Matt Kain said. to create something vibrant and interesting “This installation is part of our overall strategy containing elements of the Limestone Coast to refresh the entire group of landowners that the community can relate to but also properties and surrounding businesses and this create a point of interest for tourists,” Ms is just one of many properties that requires this Jones said. approach.”

Part two of the public art initiative in the CBD was unveiled in April 2019. City of Mount Gambier Arts and Culture Development Officer Serena Wong, Mayor Lynette Martin OAM, artist/designer Kristyn Jones and Herbert Commercial agent Matt Kain watched on as the final touches were placed on the installation at 24 Commercial Street West, the former ‘Young’s the Man Shop’ store.

26 MOUNT GAMBIER AND DISTRICT TERTIARY HEALTH EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAM _ The Mount Gambier and District Tertiary Health 22 year old Deakin University third year Bachelor Education Grants program provided 12 financial of Nursing and Midwifery student Alice Telford grants to local health students in 2019. said the grant made it possible for her to continue to undertake work placements throughout The program supports city or district residents Victoria in 2018. who are required to leave the region to undertake university studies in identified health skill “The financial help provided by the grant enabled shortage areas within the community. me to access a variety of workplace opportunities for both personal growth and practical learning; The program provides local students with a delivering babies, caring for those who are $2,000 grant to help complete their tertiary vulnerable and collaborating and learning studies within the health field. amongst supportive and experienced teams “The program aims to support young people of health professionals in both city and rural in their endeavour to formally train as a health areas. Each situation has provided significant specialist,” Mount Gambier and District Tertiary challenges, but rewarding practical opportunities Health Education Grants Program Chairman Ken to advance my skills and expertise as a student Stafford said. nurse and midwife,” Miss Telford said. “Although we know some grant recipients may The grant program is supported by City of Mount be unable to return to the region, where possible Gambier, District Council of Grant, UFS Chemist, we hope they do so following their graduation to Flinders Rural Health SA, Mount Gambier and boost the number of health professionals in the District Community Bank, Rotary Club of Mount South East.” Gambier Lakes, John and Helen Kentish and Ken Grants can be used for a broad range of student and Carol Stafford. needs including university fees, medical uniforms, “Over the past 13 years the program has equipment, books, travel and living expenses. provided 132 grants to students at a total cost of “In 2018 we provided 11 grants to students who $264,000. We are always looking for additional undertook studies in different health areas financial contributors to the program so that including medical science, pharmacy, speech we can try and keep the number of grants up pathology, medicine/surgery, medical radiation, between 12 and 15 each year,” Mr Stafford said. physiotherapy, paramedic science, exercise “District Council of Grant doubled its contribution science, nursing and midwifery, psychology and to the program this year from $2,000 to $4,000 occupational therapy at five different universities which means that not one, but two students will throughout Australia.” be supported as a result.” 2018 grant recipient Vimbiso Chiodze said the financial support she received assisted her to meet the costs associated with her first year studying a Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery at the University of Adelaide. “This grant was a shot in the arm and came in handy considering the cost of textbooks and other requirements such as a stethoscope are prohibitively too high, let alone the high cost of student accommodation. The grant impacted positively in making my transition into university life better than it would have been,” Miss Chiodze said.

27 MOUNT GAMBIER AND DISTRICT TERTIARY HEALTH EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAM _ The 2019 recipients were:

Jessica Henman Medical Science / Optometry Jacqueline Widdison Health Sciences / Occupational Therapy Panashe Saruwaka Radiography Anne Zwijnenburg Medicine / Surgery Zoe Duncan Physiotherapy Cody Lewis Exercise Science / Clinical Exercise Physiology Ashleigh Widdson Chiropractic Madeline Bowd-Moore Nursing Georgina Andrae Paramedic Science Jack Spooner Paramedic Science

Mount Gambier and District Tertiary Health Education Grants Program Chairman Ken Stafford (left), previous grant recipients Vimbiso Chiodze and Alice Telford, District Council of Grant Mayor Richard Sage and City of Mount Gambier Deputy Mayor Sonya Mezinec.

28 MOUNT GAMBIER CHILDREN’S CENTRE JOHN POWELL RESERVE INITIATIVE Kindergarten students from Mount Gambier Children’s Centre used their creative abilities to express ideas to further develop neighbouring John Powell Reserve. The children met with City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin in December 2018 to discuss drawings they created outlining ideas for the space located on John Powell Drive, Phoebe, Mackenna, Joey, behind Mulga Street Primary School. Jaxson, Asha, Lara and Ayla with Mayor Martin. “I was very pleased to receive some beautiful works of art from the children and hear their ideas and vision for the reserve space they Mayor Lynette Martin faced a long list of questions love to visit regularly,” Mayor Lynette Martin from 56 inquisitive McDonald Park School students said. who visited the Council Chambers on Wednesday 3 April 2019. She is pictured here with SRC Mount Gambier Children’s Centre Director representatives Zoe, Bien, Mitchell and Kasey. Education and Care Pauline Bosco said the children were keen to have their say about the community space. “The children would like to see some more things at the reserve to make it a better space including trees for shade, a water tap and a picnic table with bench seats and a barbecue area and shelter for families to enjoy,” Ms Bosco said. “We hope to use it as a space to showcase the children’s artistic voice, empowering them to be seen as capable citizens of the community echoing the aspirations within the City of Mount Gambier Charter for Children.” Council continues to develop John Powell Reserve into a naturescape to beautify the area and increase outdoor learning opportunities and engagement for local children and the community. “The City of Mount Gambier is increasingly aware of the health and wellbeing benefits that connecting with and exploring nature offers children, by way of learning and improved cognitive development.” “Council will consider the ideas presented with a view to implement as many as possible within the next budget process,” Mayor Martin 84 Year 4 Tenison Woods College said. students joined the Mayor in the Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 June 2019 to learn more about Council and the role it plays within the community.

29 AF SUTTON MEMORIAL PARK COMMUNITY DAY More than 300 people converged on AF Sutton Memorial Park on O’Connor Drive on Monday 15 April 2019 for a community day for the surrounding neighbourhood. The initiative follows a series of City of Mount Gambier engagement activities to learn more about the community living in the area. The free community event provided entertainment and activities for the entire neighbourhood to enjoy. “The event was a great success with hundreds of people participating in activities such as mural painting, a pop-up library, giant games, robotics, virtual reality, billy carts, a lego challenge, laser Ella, Scarlett, Harper and Jayla. tag and a golf simulator, all while enjoying live music and a free barbecue,” City of Mount Gambier Community Wellbeing General Manager “Locals were encouraged to share their opinions Barbara Cernovskis said. in an electronic survey on the Have Your Say Aligned with objectives outlined in the Youth Mount Gambier website. Post-paid postcards Engagement Strategy and Cultural and Heritage were also delivered to each individual household plan, engagement activities leading up to the with a series of questions about the park and event included door knocking to find out what is neighbourhood.” important to the community, on-site discussions Council has recently made several improvements with park visitors and surveys. to the park following community feedback as part “Council is interested in learning more about this of the engagement process. neighbourhood, particularly what’s great about “Work has included the refurbishment of the toilet the streets surrounding the park, the community facilities and the installation of security lighting, in general and what could be done to potentially picnic tables, drinking fountains and additional make it even better,” Ms Cernovskis said. rubbish bins at the park.”

April Hague, Stella, Cohen, Cailee, Vaughn, Indee and Charlene Riley paint a portion of the mural in the making at the skate park at AF Sutton Memorial Park.

30 Local artists, youth and community members In early March 2019, Council called for worked on a climate change themed mural at the expressions of interest from local artists to skate park on site at AF Sutton Memorial Park develop a mural at the site in consultation with following consultation with the local community. skaters and other park users. Local artists April During the initial stages of community Hague and Charlene Riley were engaged to work consultation in the local area, feedback from with Council and youth to come up with a concept skate park users highlighted the gradual increase plan. in graffiti appearing in and around the skate park. “More than 30 local residents including skaters, “Users of the space expressed their BMX and scooter riders of all ages took part disappointment in the presentation of the skate in a workshop with Council and the artists on park, noting that it reflected poorly on the site on Saturday 30 March 2019 to help guide image of skateboarding in Mount Gambier,” Ms the development of a plan for the mural,” Ms Cernovskis said. Cernovskis said. “They believed that a new artwork, much like the “We both really enjoyed the consultation day, it watermelon bowl at Dimjalla Park, would rekindle was great to meet the regular users of the space a sense of pride and community ownership over and have a chat about what they would like to the space.” see there and just get a feel for the culture there,” artist April Hague said. The vibrant design features food items melting into the skate bowl, the earth and a representation of rising sea levels and climate change, appealing to a wide demographic. “The kids were really excited about Council’s plans and had really interesting ideas to contribute on the day.” Work on the mural commenced on Sunday 14 April 2019 and continued throughout the following week. “It is hoped that this collaboration helps to increase the longevity of the artwork and ensures that the mural has a strong connection to those who regularly use the site.” Artists April Hague (left) and Charlene Riley.

31 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS _

Three community minded citizens and a “Sharon is a dedicated St John Cadet Officer and popular local event were recognised as part the effort she puts in to her cadets is absolutely of the City of Mount Gambier Australia Day outstanding. She is a wonderful leader, she is very Breakfast celebrations held at the Railway caring and she applies opportunities for cadets to Lands on Saturday 26 January 2019. develop as young people not only in first aid, but their leadership skills and their inspiration to do “The Australia Day awards recognise individuals good for others,” Ross said. and organisations who have made a noteworthy contribution during the past year, and/or given As a Grade Five Divisional Officer at the Mount outstanding service over a number of years, to Gambier St John Cadet Division, Sharon provides our local community beyond normal employment support to enable young cadets to travel and duties,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette compete in state first aid and allied competitions. Martin said. “Our Cadet Division has grown to about 28 cadets Citizen of the Year was awarded to local volunteer and I see that my role is preparing the youth and business owner Sharon Tuffnell. for their future, mentoring them, giving them leadership opportunities and setting them in good Sharon was nominated by Ross Parkinson stead for community involvement,” Sharon said. OAM for her community spirit, giving nature and ongoing generous support within the local Sharon is passionate about supporting the community. growth and development of local members of the community.

Citizen of the Year Sharon Tuffnell.

32 Senior Citizen of the Year Graham Robinson.

“He has put in many hundreds of hours of service for the benefit of the community over the years and he’s an unsung hero as far as I’m concerned,” Phil said. With a long list of volunteering efforts, Graham remains humble about his input into the local community. “You just feel rewarded when you can help others “In reality, I don’t see what I do as being special. and the community by attending events and Lots of people do lots of things for lots of mentoring the kids.” organisations, it doesn’t matter what it is, and “This award is not about me, I do it for them, I do to be singled out I guess I’m surprised, but I’m it for St John and the cadets and the adults in our happy to receive the award,” Graham said. division and our region. It’s about setting them up Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Joseph for their future life, whatever they’d like to do.” McMahon. Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Lakes The 15 year old Grant High School student is Rotary Club stalwart Graham Robinson. dedicated to community service throughout the Graham has been involved with the club for more region, inspired by a desire to help others. than 20 years and received Paul Harris Fellow “He is a stand out young leader with a recognition for his substantial contribution to humanitarian streak that runs very deep in educational programs. his soul and all his endeavours are pitched at “He’s what I call a ‘can do’ rather than a ‘gonna’, helping others and the quality of his involvement he’s an engineer by trade, a retired TAFE lecturer in the community is amazing for a young man,” and he can build anything. He’s a very good nominator Ross Parkinson said. organiser and a good leader,” Nominator Phil Joseph is a well-respected member of the St Richards said. John Ambulance Cadet Division and completed Graham takes the Rotary International motto Certificate Three in Basic Health in 2018 to ‘service above self’ seriously and thinks nothing become a certified First Responder. of putting in 25 to 30 hours a week as a volunteer to assist many organisations throughout the Young Citizen of the Year community. Joseph McMahon. He volunteers at the Mount Gambier Police Station for five hours every Monday morning to assist with customer relations. “I find it very rewarding, I happen to be a Justice of the Peace which also enables me to certify documents and statutory declarations at the same time,” Graham said. “You always get back more than you put in. To me it might be a small thing, but it could be huge for someone else.” Graham has initiated successful local programs including the annual Science and Engineering Challenge at Tenison Woods College and the road safety car headlight check initiative.

33 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS _

“I hope that I can inspire more of our youth to get Commercial Street East, and in partnership out there in the community. In the future I hope to with businesses and performers, provided become a paramedic or work within the medical dynamic entertainment for all ages and set a new industry because I’m really passionate about benchmark for street parties in the City. helping others,” Joseph said. The Saturday Showcase event highlighted both Demonstrating natural leadership and a genuine local and national artists across a variety of interest in making a positive difference within genres encouraging performers and audiences to the community, Joseph has been a member be brave, be bold and ‘come out and play’. of student representative committees and “A big thank you to everyone in the community, participated in a range of extra-curricular our businesses, our audiences, anyone who has activities including public speaking, drama, sport shown support for Fringe Mount Gambier, we and music. really appreciate it, it makes the hard work we do “Volunteering can help you in so many ways, it so much more worth it and we just encourage you can help you make new friends, meet new people to get out there and be involved,” Fringe Mount and have new experiences that you may have Gambier Ambassador and Artist Liaison Louise never had before,” he said. Adams said. Joseph was also awarded South Australian Young Citizen of the Year (commendation) at a presentation at Government House in Adelaide. Community Event of the Year was awarded to the 2018 “I was very honoured and speechless to receive Mount Gambier Fringe Festival, this award because it’s such a big honour and represented by Monica Hart and I felt really proud and very inspired to keep Louise Adams. volunteering and do a lot more.” “We have a very fine young man in our midst and we’ll see a lot more of Joseph in the future,” Ross said. The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the 2018 Mount Gambier Fringe Festival, the second annual event of its kind held in the City. Mount Gambier Fringe was organised by a small committee with the aim to change the artistic and cultural landscape of Mount Gambier. “We had a fantastic team of people as part of the committee, they were extremely passionate and determined to make this a fantastic event for our community,” Fringe Mount Gambier Event Coordinator Monica Hart said. In 2018, the committee delivered an extensive program including 24 performing arts events, six visual art / film events and two literary events throughout the City. The feature weekend held in March attracted an audience of 12,500 people commencing with the ‘Lift-Off Street Party’ which transformed

34 YOUTH ADVISORY GROUP _

In 2018/2019 the Mount Gambier Youth Two events were held in Port MacDonnell as part Advisory Group (YAG) organised and hosted of the program, including an outdoor cinema at various events including a comprehensive the Port MacDonnell Village Green and Sk8 n Youth Week program and collected more than Sounds @ the Bay. $3,000 during the Christmas Parade for the Youth Week favourites Pop Culture Pursuit and Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas The Amazing Race also returned to the program Appeal. in 2019. The Youth Advisory Group has continued to Pop Culture Pursuit celebrated all things pop provide an important voice for Council on issues culture including a cosplay competition with affecting young people in Mount Gambier. prizes, VR games and a screening of ‘Avengers YAG members also represented the interests of Infinity War’ at the Main Corner. young people in the region through a variety of “YAG took the lead in the delivery of Pop Culture consultations throughout the year, such as the and brought its version of Comic Con to the youth masterplan for the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre of Mount Gambier,” Sarah said. and the Community and Recreation Hub. LOUD in the Library was held on Wednesday Youth Week 17 April 2019 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. In its South Australian Youth Week kicked off just in eighth year, the Library came alive with music, time for school holidays on Wednesday 10 April entertainment and activities as a free event that 2019 with YAG delivering a program of events attracts around 300 young people. including Virtual Reality gaming, challenges, live “LOUD in the Library is a fabulous opportunity music and an outdoor cinema. to showcase local talent with live bands and Free events were held within the City of Mount acts, which can be enjoyed in the safe Library Gambier and the District Council of Grant as a environment”, Library Youth Services Coordinator celebration for young people aged 12 to 25. Terasa Nearmy said. “All the fun started with the Chill and Chat @ The crowd was entertained by local music groups Metro event,” City of Mount Gambier Youth Trash Bandits, Skyline Haze, Awoken and Smelling Advisory Group (YAG) member Sarah Harden Salts as well as live dance performances by HYPE said. Dance Studio. “This was a really relaxed event featuring local “Each year I look forward to having such a wide band Skyline Haze and provided young people range of events to bring together and entertain with an opportunity to chill on the deck area and the youth,” City of Mount Gambier Youth Advisory enjoy a free drink and snack.” Group member Dylan McLaren said.

City of Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Members Dylan McLaren, Sarah Harden, Ally Finnis, Ethan Hopgood and Mary-Joy Hutcheon.

35 MOUNT GAMBIER COMMUNITY EVENTS _

Chamie and Andrew Rook also spoke, highlighting ROOK WALK CENTENARY the significance of the occasion. CELEBRATION Members of the Rook family unveiled the time Mount Gambier History Group and the City of capsule plaque with CEO Mark McShane and Mount Gambier held a centenary celebration on morning tea was provided by the Lioness Club. Tuesday 27 November 2018 to mark 100 years Commemorative stories, photographs and to the day that 2,000 people assembled at the memorabilia from the construction of Rook Walk lakes area to build Rook Walk. were compiled by the Mount Gambier Library and In one of the greatest days of community effort in the Mount Gambier History Group for inclusion the City’s history, Rook Walk was built in 1918 as in the time capsule and were used to create the part of a beautification of the lakes scheme and content for the audio tour played on the day. was organised by hotelier Arthur Rook and the The Mount Gambier History Group and City of progress association. The volunteers included Mount Gambier staff visited schools in the weeks tradesmen, labourers, bankers, shop assistants, leading up to the event to educate students about 300 ladies who provided three meals during the the significance of the site. A competition was day and live music by the Salvation Army and held to encourage students to design a logo for town band. the occasion. The overall competition winner The commemorative event was enjoyed by was Yvone Makila from North Gambier Primary hundreds of members of the community and School. Yvone’s sketch of the Rook Walk appeared included a cake cutting ceremony, entertainment on the poster promoting the event and was from the City Band, Salvation Army Band and used to create badges for students to keep as a Compton Primary School. memento of the occasion. The Rook family visited Mount Gambier to attend “It was wonderful to see the effort students put the event and held a family reunion to honour the into the logo competition and we thank the Mount efforts of their ancestor, Mr Arthur Rook. Gambier History Group for their assistance in Eleanor Fox (nee Warren) was also one of the judging the entries and also for assisting Council original event organisers and her family including to deliver this significant event,” City of Mount some local residents and family members from Gambier Community Events Team Leader Denise away also attended the centenary celebration. Richardson said. Aunty Penny Bonney commenced the celebration Records of the anniversary celebration and with a Welcome to Country and Mayor Martin, mementos from 2018 were buried in a time Mount Gambier History Group members Lynn capsule ready for another generation to relive the Lowe and Robert Brooksby, Annabel Wirth, Sue history of this remarkable feat.

Photo credit: Ockert le Roux

36 Event organisers (L-R) Lynn Lowe from the Mount Gambier History Group, City of Mount Gambier Community Events Officer Xarnia Keding and Team Leader Denise Richardson, Mount Gambier Library History Officer Danni Reade and Brian Brooksby (Mount Gambier History Group).

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM was at Rook Walk on 29 April 2019 for the placement of the time capsule commemorating the 100 year celebration of the site. Mayor Martin is pictured with McDonald Park students Matilda, Mitchell and Blake.

This sketch by Yvone Makila from North Gambier Primary School of Rook Walk was used on the poster promoting the event and to create badges for students to keep as a memento of the occasion.

2,000 members of the community came together on 27 November 1918 to build Rook Walk. Photo credit: Ockert le Roux

37 MOUNT GAMBIER COMMUNITY EVENTS _

MOUNT GAMBIER CHRISTMAS PARADE The NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade was held on Saturday 17 November. WIN TELEVISION Thank you to all who assisted with the 2018 PROVIDED IN-KIND Christmas Parade: AIRTIME VALUED AT • NF McDonnell and Sons WIN TELEVISION MORE THAN $20,000 HAS SPONSORED FOR PROMOTION OF • WIN Television THE EVENT SINCE PARADE • City of Mount Gambier 1974 • Mount Gambier Christmas Parade LIONS CLUB OF MOUNT Advisory Group GAMBIER ORGANISE • Lions Club of Mount Gambier THE BRASS BAND • Mount Gambier Rotary Club West Inc FESTIVAL INCLUDING MASSED MARCH, PARADE • MJ Dance PARTICIPATION AND • 1st Mount Gambier Scout Group AFTERNOON CONCERT • Youth Advisory Group • SAPOL COMMUNITY • SES ENTRIES • Bank SA • Borg Manufacturing ROTARY CLUB OF • Banner Mitre 10 MOUNT GAMBIER • McDonald Park Primary School WEST INC • Float sponsors: Bunnings Warehouse, DELIVERED PARTY Mount Gambier Central, Chamber of IN THE PARK Commerce, Mount Gambier Bendigo Bank, Exchange Printers, Gordon Education, Green Triangle Electronics and OG Roberts and Co • The many volunteers who assisted in various ways • Members of the community who made time to participate in or watch the Parade.

35 VOLUNTEERS ASSISTED WITH THE EVENT 38 2018 AWARDEES

BEST CLUB OR BEST SCHOOL COMMUNITY ENTRY ORGANISATION Yahl Primary Ardlair School of School Dancing 60 HOURS MAJOR BEST THEMED SPONSOR MOST BAND BY DEPOT NF McDONNELL & Portland Citizens OUTSTANDING STAFF SONS SINCE 2017 Recycled Runway Band

BEST NON-CITY BEST BRASS BAND Moorak Primary Portland Citizens School Band

BEST CHRISTMAS BEST UTILISING THEME RECYCLED Mulga Street RESOURCES Primary School Compton Primary School

MEMBERS ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE AWARD OPEN CATEGORY ADVISORY Nangwarry Mount Gambier GROUP Primary School Family Truck Show

LIVESTREAMED BY BRASSBANNED FACEBOOK 2600 VIEWS BRASS YOUTUBE 1500 VIEWS BANDS

39 MOUNT GAMBIER COMMUNITY EVENTS _

“My daughters had fun with that, they are all LOCAL ‘BRASS BAND MAN’ married with different last names and one of them HONOURED posted on Facebook ‘My Dad got an OAM’ and In November 2018, Mount Gambier’s own ‘brass then the second one puts up, ‘My Dad got one band man’ Allen Woodham OAM was honoured too!’” he joked. by the Christmas Parade Advisory Group for His latest accolade was bestowed upon him in 20 years involvement in coordinating the Lions 2017, the James D Richardson Lions Club Honour Club of Mount Gambier Brass Band Festival, award. including the organisation of bands marching in “It’s the highest award you can receive in Australia the annual Mount Gambier Christmas Parade. when it comes to the Lions. I had no idea and I Since 1999, Allen has coordinated the annual was speechless when I received it,” Mr Woodham festival consisting of a street march contest, said. massed band march, Christmas Parade march Allen’s dedication and tireless contribution to and an on stage competition at the Sir Robert the parade and the festival is greatly appreciated Helpmann Theatre. by the Christmas Parade Advisory Group. The He coordinated his first major event in 2001, the group formally thanked him for his efforts at the Australian Brass Band Festival, to celebrate the awards presentation evening held on Thursday 29 centenary of Federation. November 2018. “I had a grand vision of what we were going to do. “Allen has been a valuable volunteer on the We got the Governor General of Australia William Christmas Parade Advisory Group. His knowledge Deane to come here and open it and that year we and insight into the Brass Band world has given had what seemed like more bands than floats in the Blue Lake Brass Band Festival and the the Christmas Parade, 21 in total,” Mr Woodham parade a fantastic reputation and enables a great said. selection of brass bands to be present in Mount “We had the old City Hall and the Sir Robert Gambier each year,” City of Mount Gambier Helpmann theatre running with brass bands all Events Team Leader Denise Richardson said. day and it turned into a massive thing.” Allen Woodham OAM At this point Allen became noticed nationally, gaining a solid reputation as an authority within the band world. In 2006 he was approached to become the executive officer of the National Band Council of Australia. “I was secretary and treasurer which meant looking after all of the community bands in Australia. Initially I had no idea what to do, it was a ‘learn as you go’ experience. I finished up being the longest serving executive officer in the council’s history and was in the role for 10 years until 2016.” Allen received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday honours list in 2012 for service to music through band organisations and to the local community.

40 Chief Executive Officer of Baseball Australia Cam AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE Vale attended the series and was impressed with In December 2018 Mount Gambier hosted the facility. round six of the Brut Australian Baseball “While events like this are significant in their League (ABL) between Auckland Tuatara and own right, they can equally serve as a catalyst Adelaide Bite. for longer-term projects like annual events or a The three day series consisted of four potential location for an ABL expansion team,” Mr professional games and two junior training clinics Vale said. held at the Blue Lake Sports Park. 350 local While in Mount Gambier ABL produced a video aspiring baseballers and children that wanted showcasing the industries, tourist attractions, to trial the sport enjoyed learning new skills and baseball facilities and discussion around the drills facilitated by ABL players. gap between playing sport in a regional area The Mount Gambier and District Baseball League compared with a capital city. The video will be volunteers were instrumental in preparing Blue used to promote expansion teams coming to Lake Sports Park to the required professional Australia. standard with the inclusion of new bull pens and “Baseball Australia are now making a concerted upgrade of the playing surface. effort to bring professional baseball to regional Volunteers from South, Centrals, Federals, Tigers, areas,” Mr Vale said. Millicent and Naracoorte baseball clubs ensured “With the improvement of the facilities at Blue the event was a success with more than 400 Lake Sports Park and commitment from the spectators attending the showcase. Adelaide Bite Mount Gambier and District Baseball League claimed victory winning all four games. Mount Gambier is well positioned to host future events of this calibre”.

41 MOUNT GAMBIER COMMUNITY EVENTS _

2019 FRINGE MOUNT GAMBIER Optus presents Fringe Mount Gambier was an outstanding success in 2019. With sights never seen before in Mount Gambier thousands of people flocked to the Lift Off Street Party on Friday 22 March to launch the festival for 2019. The festival saw almost 50 events across nine days and generated an estimated economic return of $2.2million to the City. An estimated 19,000 people attended events across 16 venues and enjoyed genres from cabaret to comedy, live music, dance, visual arts, circus and magic. More than 60 local businesses participated in the FringeUP! activities, decorating their shop fronts in Fringe themes leading into the event. The delivery of curated activities by Fringe Mount Gambier as well as the extended program offered by local venues and businesses was well supported and reflects an emerging growth of participation in unique cultural events. The festival is a cultural exploration that embraces acceptance and diversity. It gives agency to artists to be bold and present edgy art experiences to thrill, entertain and expose the community to alternative cultural activities right in their own backyard.

42 Photos courtesy of Kate Hill

43 PROFILE ID: COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC PROFILE _

Community Profile Economic Profile Demographic change across Australia is The City of Mount Gambier Economic Profile recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provides economic analysis for the City by (ABS) in the Census collections every five combining 11 different datasets to build a years. Population experts analyse and convert cohesive story of a local economy, how it is these raw figures into stories of place to inform changing and how it compares to other areas. Council staff, community groups, investors, It is a public resource designed to be used by business, students and the general public. Council staff, community groups, investors, The City of Mount Gambier Community Profile business people, students and the general public. provides demographic analysis for the City and The quality of the information can be assured its suburbs based on results from the Census of as it is derived from official sources and the Population and Housing. The profile is updated most robust economic modelling, analysed and with population estimates when the ABS releases presented by experts and funded by the City of new figures such as the annual Estimated Mount Gambier. Each data source is maintained Resident Population (ERP). with the latest series so you can be sure you are Suburb boundaries and Census questions change using the most up-to-date information. over time, but the data is managed to ensure that Results for the City of Mount Gambier include there is an accurate time series provided for the Gross Regional Product (GRP), local jobs, local current geographic boundaries. businesses, employment, unemployment, Available data for the City of Mount Gambier population, building approvals, industry structure, includes population, age structure, ethnicity, journey to work and much more. ancestry, religion, income, qualifications, occupations, employment, unemployment, disability, disadvantage, volunteering, childcare, family structure, household structure, housing tenure, mortgage and rental payments and the size and type of the dwellings people live in. The Community Profile presents this information in maps, tables and charts with concise factual commentary to answer three important questions: • What are the characteristics of the people who live here? • How are they changing? • How do they compare to other areas? This information provides the basis for making Council encourages the use of this extensive evidence based decisions about how to provide online resource which is available at: services for the community as it changes. profile.id.com.au/mount-gambier The quality of the information can be assured as it is derived from ABS data, analysed and presented by population experts.

44 GENERAL INSPECTOR STATISTICS _

Dog expiations 203 Dog complaints 420 DOG 84 Dog impoundments 84 IMPOUNDMENTS Dog attack reports 4 Parking offences 274 Long grass notices 182 Fire permits 97 Cattle impoundments 0 PARKING 274 (sheep and cows) OFFENCES Vehicle impoundments 2 Dog registrations 5,207 Payment to SEAWL $33,420 (provision of pound services) 182 Dog registration fees $144,423 LONG GRASS NOTICES

45 DOG AND CAT MANAGEMENT PLAN 2018 - 2023 _

Council is required by law to implement the The DACO system is a one-stop online service provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act. for all registration payments, microchipping and Council's Dog and Cat Management Plan 2018 - breeder information and is accessible 24/7. It 2023 was adopted on 15 August 2017. allows pet owners to instantly update registration or microchip details if they move house or change The City of Mount Gambier Dog and Cat phone numbers and pay annual registration fees. Management Plan outlines a number of areas where residents can let their dogs off the leash for 12 months on from the implementation of DACO, healthy exercise. Council’s General Inspectors have noted a significant increase in the number of registered These ‘off leash’ areas are: and microchipped dogs throughout the City. • Hastings Cunningham Reserve, Consequently this has resulted in a decrease in • Corriedale Park, the number of dogs impounded as it is now much easier to reunite pets with their owners. • Don McDonnell Reserve, For more information visit • Blue Lake Sports Park, www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au • Northumberland Avenue, and • Frew Park. PET OWNERS URGED In all other public areas/places in the City, dogs must be kept on a leash. TO BE RESPONSIBLE Following changes to the Dog and Cat Council encourages all dog owners to act Management Act that came into effect in July responsibly and ensure their pet is not allowed 2018, City of Mount Gambier is encouraging to wander at large or cause a nuisance to dog owners to ensure they are managing neighbours. their pets responsibly at all times. Dogs typically get scared during storms Under the new legislation authorised council and fireworks and dog owners should make officers now have increased powers to arrangements to secure their pets when storms investigate and prosecute breaches of the Act, and/or fireworks are predicted or publicised. and increased fines and penalties now apply. Dogs and Cats Online “Changes to the Act mean that dog owners Following changes to the Dog and Cat can now face fines of $210 for failing to Management Act, all dogs and cats were required immediately collect, remove and dispose of to be microchipped from 1 July 2018. All new dog faeces and for not having their dogs on a generations of dogs and cats (born after 1 July leash in a public place,” City of Mount Gambier 2018) must be desexed with exemptions that Team Leader General Inspectorate Derek apply to working dogs and registered breeders. Ferguson said. Microchipping is a safe and permanent way to Following feedback from the community, identify dogs and cats. The procedure is quick, Council rolled out new signs around popular with no ongoing discomfort and can only be reserves and open public spaces to remind carried out by a trained, authorised implanter. dog owners of their responsibilities. The signs Registration and microchip details are now are located around the Blue Lake and at the entered into an online portal called Dogs and Cats Railway Lands. Online (DACO) which has streamlined dog and “Public reserves and amenities are for the cat management in South Australia. The central enjoyment and safety of the whole community online system has replaced the 68 individual and dog owners are asked to be mindful of council registers across the state. other people and animals when using these

46 facilities. It is the responsibility of everyone in the “With an increase in the number of microchipped community to keep these areas clean, safe and pets we are able to easily return the animal to its tidy for all,” Mr Ferguson said. rightful owner, resulting in less impounds and lost dogs,” General Inspector Michelle Abramovic said. Dog owners should be aware that Council also has a by-law which stipulates dog owners must have “It is important that pet owners keep their a bag or suitable container in their possession to microchip details up-to-date to ensure you can be enable them to clean up after their dogs when in a easily contacted should we locate your pet.” public place. Since 1 July 2018 anyone in South Australia “Responsible pet ownership comes down to more who wishes to breed dogs or cats for sale or than just registration and microchipping.” trade must also register with the Dog and Cat Management Board. “These fines can be easily avoided and we just ask that - as the signs say - bag and bin, do the “This isn’t limited to pedigree breeds, and right thing.” includes people whose dogs or cats have accidental litters - if you breed and you sell, you City of Mount Gambier now has approximately must be registered as a breeder or you risk facing 5,800 registered dogs, an increase of around an expiation of $315.” 1,000 since July 2018 which General Inspectors attribute to the success of the new Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) registration system. Changes to the Dog and Cat Management Act also mean that every owned dog and cat must be microchipped or owners risk being served a $170 fine or up to $750 for dogs of a prescribed breed.

City of Mount Gambier General Inspectors Michelle Abramovic (left) and Derek Ferguson urge pet owners to be responsible or risk facing fines.

47 DOG AND CAT MANAGEMENT PLAN 2018 - 2023 _

“The new agreement reflects an annual COUNCIL RENEWS SUPPORT FOR contribution of $45,000 from the City of Mount SEAWL Gambier and $15,000 from the District Council of At the Council meeting on Tuesday 21 May Grant,” Dr Nagy said. 2019 Council resolved to enter into a three year The funding is subject to SEAWL meeting key funding agreement with the District Council performance indicators agreed upon between the of Grant and the South East Animal Welfare parties and negotiated within agreed time frames. League (SEAWL) commencing on 1 July 2019. “In arriving at the decision Council took into The decision follows a request from SEAWL for consideration the contribution that District Council to increase its financial support to allow Council of Grant was willing to provide and other operations to continue and to provide certainty factors in relation to the running of the SEAWL for the organisation moving forward with the operation which are of broader community previous five year tri-party agreement coming to benefit, including the volunteer opportunities an end in June 2019. provided and the animal re-homing services.” “As part of the agreement ending June 2019 City Dr Nagy indicated that since the agreement with of Mount Gambier contributes around $34,000 SEAWL made in 2014, there had been significant as an annual amount which is directly related to changes in the way in which local government impounded dogs,” City of Mount Gambier City deals with animal control. Growth General Manager Judy Nagy said. “Legislated changes including mandatory Council previously resolved to provide $60,000 microchipping, desexing provisions and to the organisation in 2019/2020 however the centralised registration have contributed to a resolution was revoked with Elected Members significant decline in the number of impounded voting in favour of a three year agreement. dogs.”

48 COMMUNITY SERVICES, LIFESTYLE, WELFARE AND WELLBEING _

Council provides many direct and indirect services and support to the community and in particular, to the health, welfare, lifestyle and wellbeing of its citizens. In addition to other contributions that may be referenced in this Annual Report, other direct financial support was provided by the Council in 2018/2019, including:

Care Ring telephone service $2,000 Australia Day Breakfast $3,000 (Lifeline SE) Mount Gambier Racing Club Gold Cup $3,000 Youth Advisory Group and projects $5,100 Suicide Prevention Network $3,000 Mount Gambier City Band $7,000 General community donations $31,000 Mount Gambier Toy Library $2,000 Seniors activities $3,000 NAIDOC Week $1,000 Syringe Disposal Service $5,000 Heritage Restoration Fund $20,000 Main Corner / City Hall hire subsidies $50,100 Stand Like Stone Foundation $8,000 Wehl Street Theatre $9,500 The Junction $1,500 Citizenship ceremonies $3,800 Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West $1,500 Christmas Parade $38,000 Careers Expo Christmas decorations $20,000 Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce $1,500 Tertiary Health Education grants $22,000 Business Awards Limestone Coast Substance Misuse $10,000 New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Mount $8,000 Gambier Community Events) Fringe in Mount Gambier $35,000 Party in the Park (Rotary Club of Mount $1,000 Women in Business and Regional $1,900 Gambier West) Development Lakes Rotary Blue Lake Fun Run $3,000 Community Day program $10,000 Mount Gambier Eisteddfod $5,000 Pioneers Basketball $15,000 (Backstage Inc.) Reidy Park Centre $17,500

Amounts are rounded up to the nearest $100.

49 ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH STATISTICS _

Food Safety Vermin (including birds) 2 Total food businesses currently registered 474 Water quality (other than public swimming 2 Facilities which require food safety audits 11 pools and spa pools) P1 (highest) risk classified food businesses 133 Communicable Disease Control Branch mandatory notifications P2 (high) risk classified food businesses 192 Highest month with Influenza - June 2019 120 P3 (medium) risk classified food businesses 96 Influenza notifications 266 P4 (low) risk classified food businesses 53 Food borne related illnesses - Campylobacter 72 Complaints received by Council and Salmonella Alleged food poisoning 10 Food unsafe due to foreign matter 0 Community Health Poor personal hygiene or poor food handling 7 Hazardous waste (sharps) collected at 182kg practices Civic Centre Food unsuitable/unsafe due to microbial 1 contamination/growth TOTAL Unclean premises 1 FOOD Food recall notifications received 41 BUSINESSES Food safety education CURRENTLY TAFE accredited food safety short courses 4 REGISTERED 47 ‘I’m Alert’ online non-accredited food safety 590 training users New food business publications 2 REGISTERED HAIR, Food business food safety newsletters 3 BEAUTY AND SKIN Public Health PENETRATION 87 BUSINESSES Registered high risk manufactured water 65 systems Public accessible swimming pool and spa 27 HIGHEST MONTH inspections WITH INFLUENZA Registered hair, beauty and skin penetration 87 JUNE 2019 (120) businesses Onsite wastewater treatment system 4 applications ONLINE Complaints received by Council 590 NON-ACCREDITED Accommodation standards 2 FOOD SAFETY Air pollution / odours 4 TRAINING USERS Discharge of wastes / waste control 3 General health complaint or enquiry / other 2 Hoarding and squalor 5 Infectious disease / notifiable disease 2 Food Business Mould 2 Guides now Public swimming pools and spa pools 2 available at: Sanitary facilities 0 mountgambier. Supported residential facilities 5 sa.gov.au/ foodsafety 50 ENVIRONMENT _ 51 CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 2019 _

Clean Up Australia Day 2019 consisted of clean Volunteers collected a substantial amount of ups held on two days - Schools Clean Up Day rubbish, consisting mostly of drink cans and on Friday 1 March and the Community Clean Up bottles and takeaway food packaging. Australia Day on Sunday 3 March 2019. The community event was supported by the More than 1,000 students took part in Schools Gambier City Lions Club who provided a barbecue Clean Up Day cleaning up their respective school lunch for all volunteers. grounds and surrounding areas. Participation in this national event helps to educate children to recycle and reduce the amount of rubbish going into landfill. The Community Clean Up Australia Day event involved more than 30 volunteers, mainly focused on the Cave Garden area and Vansittart Park.

Tommy, Peter and Matthew Izzard did their bit to help the environment for Clean Up Australia Day 2019.

52 WASTE SNAPSHOT _

Waste Transfer Station

Waste bins E-waste Green waste 543 78 1,698 tonnes tonnes tonnes

Kerbside Bins

Kerbside rubbish Kerbside recycling Kerbside green waste 5,649 2,160 2,673 tonnes tonnes tonnes

Contractors waste 18,727 tonnes Food waste 36% Total to Landfill

Garden waste 9% 25,388 tonnes

Recyclables 25% What is in Mount Gambier’s Nappies 9% rubbish bins? General waste Remember: you can put food 21% scraps in your green organics bin.

53 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS _

Council solar power projects Reidy Park Primary School Year 3 class participated in As part of its strong support for environmental an educational tour of Council’s waste sites. sustainability Council now has over 171 kilowatts (kW) of solar panels across five sites: Waste and recycling activities • Aquatic Centre - 68.5 kW City of Mount Gambier continued to provide many • Carinya Gardens - 10.4 kW activities during 2018/2019 designed to educate and assist the community to reduce waste and • Library - 57.5 kW do the right thing for the environment. These • Waste Transfer Station - 5.2 kW included: • Works Depot - 29.9 kW • Provision of a kitchen caddy to every green waste subscriber and a roll of compostable Together they have produced a total of more than bags to all new and repeat green waste 570,000 kWh of renewable electricity since the subscribers to increase the rate of food waste first system was switched on. That is equivalent being diverted from landfill, to running an average size South Australian home for more than 87 years and equates to over 279 • Numerous tours of Council’s waste sites - tonnes of carbon emissions. Caroline Landfill, Waste Transfer Station and the ReUse Market for school and community These solar power projects have been undertaken groups, to continue to reduce Council’s reliance on grid electricity, deliver long-term savings on electricity • Waste and recycling talks at schools and for costs, foster local renewable energy and reduce community groups with interactive activities, Council’s environmental impact and emissions. • Cleaning out of Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT) Environmental events with school groups present to highlight the litter that is caught by the traps, During 2018/2019 Council again participated in many environmental events including Earth Hour. • Waste audits and bin tagging of household Lights were switched off at the Main Corner, City bins in order to provide feedback to the Hall, Library, Vansittart Park, Lady Nelson Brig, community about what they are doing well Railway Lands and Centenary Tower between and where they can improve, and 8:30pm and 9:30pm on Saturday 30 March 2019. • Opening of the ReUse Market in October The international theme for the 2019 event was 2018. The ReUse Market is a place where the ‘Connect 2 Earth’ and was a symbolic gesture of community can get second hand bargains solidarity in the global effort to reduce harmful and a wide variety of items. Unwanted good emissions. quality items can be donated through the Waste Transfer Station to be sold.

54 CYCLING CONSULTATION SORT AND SAVE INITIATIVE In December 2018 the City of Mount Gambier The Waste Transfer Station on Eucalypt sought community feedback on the shared Drive began collecting donations of useful cycling and walking paths at the Rail Trail to unwanted items to sell at the ReUse assess demand for additional infrastructure. Market in September 2018. The construction of the Rail Trail shared path City of Mount Gambier Environmental through the heart of Mount Gambier is popular Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard said the with the local community and visitors to the City. facility now takes a variety of quality items “It is regularly used by many residents for cycling that are suitable for a new home. and walking, for both recreation and commuting,” “You can drop off your good quality items City of Mount Gambier Environmental to the Waste Transfer Station, but I must Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard said. emphasise that they must be clean and in a Mr Izzard said the key to the success of the Rail good condition,” Mr Izzard said. Trail is the fact that it is safe, easy to access and “What will or won’t be accepted for the cyclists and walkers are clearly separated from ReUse Market will be at the discretion of the motor traffic. Transfer Station operators.” “It is now timely that we actively seek feedback Council encourages residents to sort their from the community on the Rail Trail and assess waste loads to save time and money before the appetite within our community for more of this visiting the Waste Transfer Station. type of infrastructure.” “Residents can save on fees by making a “Health issues due to insufficient physical activity few small changes to the way their loads are throughout the Australian population, including packed. Sorting your load and saving money Mount Gambier, have been well documented with is relatively simple by placing similar items incidental exercise such as cycling or walking to together when you are packing your ute or get from A to B identified as the most likely form of trailer.” exercise to be maintained over the longer term.” Council’s ‘sort and save’ initiative aims The consultation closed on Friday 15 February to reduce the volume of re-usable and 2019 with 175 people responding to the survey. recyclable materials entering landfill through 91.4% of respondents believe the construction of mixed loads. the Rail Trail has made it easier to cycle in Mount Gambier. “Many items can be dropped off for free, including items for the ReUse Market, TVs, When respondents were asked what would enable computers and liquid paint. If these are them to cycling more in Mount Gambier, 79% said placed in separately and can be easily taken dedicated bike paths that are separate from motor off first, then residents will save money on traffic and pedestrians would assist. fees as they will only be charged for the “The Rail Trail has got me on my bike again - I remainder of their load.” absolutely love riding to work whenever I can,” a survey respondant said. Tips for sorting your load: A number of improvements and additions to the • Put all good quality items for the ReUse Rail Trail were also suggested by respondants. Market together (or on top of the load). The survey results will be summarised in a report • Flatten any large cardboard boxes. to be presented to Council with recommendations • Put bricks and rubble together. as to what future steps can be taken towards • Separate untreated timber, metals, improving or increasing cycling infrastructure in e-waste and green waste etc. the City.

ReUse Market Coordinator Rebecca Mobbs and Waste Transfer Station Attendant Tanis Alexander sort a load at the Waste Transfer Station.

55 LIMESTONE COAST BUSHFIRE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN _ _

The Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 The City of Mount Gambier budgeted requires each of the nine South Australian $85,000 towards stormwater management in Bushfire Management Committees (BMC) to 2018/2019, primarily to improve stormwater prepare and maintain a Bushfire Management infrastructure in order to reduce flooding and Area Plan (BMAP). Each BMC will adopt a increase the quality of water being discharged BMAP that will: back into the underground aquifer. • Identify existing or potential risks to Some of the improvement projects involved the valuables from bushfire within the bushfire construction of additional settlement pits and management area, drainage bores, while other projects involved the reconstruction and clean out of existing drainage • Outline coordinated and cooperative bushfire infrastructure to restore the system to full prevention and mitigation strategies to working condition. achieve appropriate hazard reduction associated with bushfire management within Improvement works occurred in 2018/2019 at the its area, following locations: • Identify asset or land custodians responsible • Underwood Avenue, and for the implementation of the bushfire risk • Wireless Road East / Crouch Street North. mitigation treatments, and • Use or establish principles and standards to guide or measure the success of the bushfire management strategies and initiatives. The Limestone Coast BMAP is available to view on the CFS website - www.cfs.sa.gov.au

LOCAL NUISANCE AND LITTER CONTROL ACT _

Under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 City of Mount Gambier is the relevant authority for local nuisance and litter control within the council boundary. Allowing or contributing to local nuisance or litter is a crime and has costly penalties. Some common complaints of nuisance are noise, smoke GPT SID’S LID REMOVAL and littering. Tenison Woods College Mount Gambier Year Council officers have investigated a number 4 students visited the Cave Garden in March of enquiries and customer requests in relation 2019 to view the cleaning of ‘Sid’s Lid’ - one to matters which can be addressed by the of the City’s gross pollutant traps. Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act however at 30 June 2019 Council had not made any Learn more about Sid’s Lid at: www. prosecutions under this Act. mountgambier.sa.gov.au/sustainability/ environmental/water

56 INFRASTRUCTURE _ 57 STREET TREES _

Street trees are a fundamental component of an urban environment and in general are greatly appreciated by the community. The benefits they provide include environmental, social, health and wellbeing, economic and visual amenity. Trees also assist in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in an urban environment by providing habitat to bird life as well as improving air quality. These characteristics support a number of objectives outlined in Council’s Community Plan. The following table provides a list of the street tree plantings that were undertaken in 2018/2019:

Common name Botanical name Street name Trees Proposed Proposed Net retained removals plantings gain Box Elder Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ Aquarius Crt 0 0 12 12 Box Elder Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ Kaleo Crt 0 0 16 16 Box Elder Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ Saxon Crt 0 0 9 9 Box Elder Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ Dolomite Dr 0 0 29 29 Gawler Hybrid Callistemon viminalis Bertha St 2 8 25 17 Bottlebrush ‘Harkness’ Gawler Hybrid Callistemon viminalis Dickson St 2 3 14 11 Bottlebrush ‘Harkness’ Gawler Hybrid Callistemon viminalis Wilson St 6 2 35 33 Bottlebrush ‘Harkness’ Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata ‘Shamrock™’ Balambool 0 1 32 31 Ave Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata ‘Shamrock™’ Rosemary 0 0 14 14 Ave Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata ‘Shamrock™’ Hume Crt 0 0 23 23 Hedge Maple Acer Campestre ‘Evelyn’ Mallee St 0 0 24 24 Queen Elizabeth™ Hedge Maple Acer Campestre ‘Evelyn’ Leray Ave 0 0 20 20 Queen Elizabeth™ Dwarf Yellowgum Eucalyptus leucoxylon Heaver Dr 0 0 13 13 subsp.’Euky Dwarf’ Dwarf Yellowgum Eucalyptus leucoxylon Bray St 0 2 22 20 subsp.’Euky Dwarf’ Designer Flowering Ash Fraxinus ornus ‘Meczek’ Railway Tce 0 2 22 20 Designer Flowering Ash Fraxinus ornus ‘Meczek’ Duffield Pl 0 0 11 11 Purple Leaf Cherryplum Prunus Cerasifera ‘Niagra’ Mawson Ave 4 1 14 13 TOTAL 14 19 335 316

58 AIRPORT FEDERAL FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT City of Mount Gambier welcomed the announcement of $3.5million in Federal Government Building Better Regions Funds to support District Council of Grant’s Mount Gambier Airport redevelopment project on Tuesday 10 July 2018. Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government Hon Dr John McVeigh MP made the major announcement at the Mount Gambier Airport. It followed extensive lobbying from Former City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee Member for Barker Tony Pasin. (left), Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and The State Government will contribute Local Government Hon Dr John McVeigh, District Council of Grant Mayor Richard Sage and Federal $4million to the project following the work Member for Barker Tony Pasin. of Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell. District Council of Grant will contribute $1.1million and City of Mount Gambier will provide a financial contribution of $500,000 for the long awaited airport upgrade.

INSTALLATION OF NO STOPPING ZONES ON JUBILEE HIGHWAY EAST Council installed ‘no stopping’ zones on the north side of Jubilee Highway East on either side of the Attamurra Road intersection to improve traffic safety. The decision was made at the Council meeting held on Tuesday 19 February 2019, following a report to Council and complaints from motorists regarding restricted sight distance for vehicles leaving Attamurra Road due to trucks and caravans parking along the roadway to go to the newly constructed McDonald’s restaurant. “Semi-trailers and caravans were parking opposite McDonald’s and west of Attamurra Road which made it very difficult for other motorists to see past them as they enter the intersection or leave the McDonald’s car park,” City Infrastructure General Manager Nick Serle said. “Whilst Jubilee Highway is a Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) road, Council is responsible for the implementation and establishment of parking restrictions on DPTI roads.” “Council has consulted with the department on this matter and DPTI supported Council’s No stopping zones were implemented on Jubilee recommendation to implement parking Highway East (northern half) 78 metres west and 66 restrictions along Jubilee Highway to establish metres east of the Attamurra Road intersection. safe intersection sight lines.” 59 “The bridge was no longer required to access the REMOVAL OF HAY DRIVE BRIDGE old hospital grounds and was removed as part of AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADWAY Council’s 2018/2019 works program.” Hay Drive was closed to all traffic from Wednesday 23 January to Friday 8 March 2019 “Contractors filled the void where the bridge to enable the removal of the Hay Drive bridge used to sit with 2,500 cubic metres of material and construction of a two-way road. comprised of salvaged concrete, limestone and bricks including rubble from the old bridge itself. City of Mount Gambier Design Engineer Andrew It took about 150 truck loads to smooth it in,” Mr Thompson said the project involved kerbing, new Thompson said. pavement and an asphalt surface to enable a safer connection from Lake Terrace to Hay Drive/ The soil on site has been topped up and the Keegan Drive. garden area has been mulched. “We’ve now got a road that will last for forty years, “The retaining wall on Lake Terrace was shifted is cheaper to maintain, is more practical and is back an extra metre to provide adequate width for safer. Now that it’s bi-directional there’s no single the installation of a footpath which will veer up to lane giving way at each end,” Mr Thompson said. the left of Hay Drive and taper off into Elizabeth Knight Reserve.” “It’s lower risk and removes the potential of anti-social behaviour such as illegal dumping or The project ran smoothly and was delivered on vandalism where the bridge used to be.” time and under budget at $163,000. The bridge was demolished and removed in February as it had reached the end of its useful life. Below: City of Mount Gambier Design Engineer Andrew Thompson stands alongside the completed Hay Drive roadway. Right: Before (top) and after (morning) of Hay Drive construction.

60 BUILDING FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE BOUNDARY ROADS _ _

The Building Fire Safety Committee (BFSC) The City of Mount Gambier and the District operates pursuant to the provisions of the Council of Grant share responsibility for the Development Act 1993. upkeep and management of the roads that Its primary function is to: form the boundary between the two councils. • Achieve a reasonable standard of fire safety In 2018/2019 each council contributed $30,000 for the occupiers of a building, to the boundary roads program to allow for maintenance works to the road network. • Ensure minimal spread of fire and smoke, and Works completed as part of the 2018/2019 • Ensure an acceptable firefighting boundary roads program included the following: environment. • Hawkins Road - reseal Jubilee Highway to The BFSC is made up of one Elected Member, Cr Terrell Road, Paul Jenner, who is the chairperson, a member of the Metropolitan Fire Service Andrew Sharrad • McCormick Road - reseal full length, and Level 1 accredited Building Surveyor Grant • Pinehall Avenue - reseal a portion of O’Leary Riches. City of Mount Gambier Building Officer Road. Paul Gibbs provides information and advice on Preliminary works commenced for Bishop Road/ building related issues that cannot be dealt with Kennedy Avenue staggered T-junction, including under staff delegated authority. land acquisition, ground clearance and service Over the past 12 months long standing issues alterations. with several commercial premises have been addressed with favourable outcomes. The BFSC meets on an as required basis. INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS _

The City of Mount Gambier is committed to maintaining its road network to a high standard. Approximately $2.4million was spent on road infrastructure upgrades in 2018/2019. Projects included: • Road resealing works, • Road patching works, • Reconstruction of sections of Crouch Street South, • Reconstruction of sections of Heaver Drive, • Reconstruction of sections of Argyle Place, • Reconstruction of sections of Finch Street, • Reconstruction of Helen Street, • Reconstruction of sections of Wireless Road West, • Reconstruction of Sturt Street, • Reconstruction of sections of Laurie Street, • Reconstruction of Robin Street, and • Hay Drive bridge removal. 61 CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES CONCRETE FOOTPATH _ CONSTRUCTION _

Council supports crime prevention and anti- Council invested $340,000 in the construction social mitigation measures including: of an additional 3.2 kilometres of concrete paths throughout the City, in addition to the Mount Gambier Licensing Accord maintenance of paved areas. A regular forum coordinated by Council involving These projects form part of Council’s 10 year Liquor and Gaming Commissioner, SAPOL, hotel rolling footpath program which is designed to and club licensees and other key stakeholders. take into account the following: Mount Gambier dry areas • Urban growth, Council maintains five State Government • Change in land use, approved dry areas within the City of Mount Gambier. • Requests from ratepayers, and The proclaimed dry areas are: • Deterioration of the existing path network. • Mount Gambier city centre (Area 1), The projects that were included in the 2018/2019 program were: • Vansittart Park Garden (Area 2) and Vansittart Park Oval (Area 3), • Swallow Drive (inside loop) • Dimjalla Park (Area 4), and • Wireless Road East - south side (Aramanta drive to Kennedy Avenue) • AF Sutton Memorial Park (Area 5). • Pinehall Avenue - south side (Suttontown CCTV surveillance cameras Road to Suttontown School) There are more than 30 surveillance cameras at • O’Halloran Terrace - south side (Power Street various locations within the Mount Gambier city to Wehl Street) centre. • Hart Street – both sides (full length) SAPOL has increased its detection and prevention capabilities using the latest technology and • Plover Street – north side (full length) identified a number of busy locations that should • Ferrers Street - west side (Gwendoline Street be under surveillance and where anti-social to Heriot Street) behaviour occurs regularly. Council has installed internet based technology and cameras in these • Kennedy Avenue - east side (Wireless Road to locations with the network capable of being Red Oak Place) expanded in the future. • Kennedy Avenue - west side (North Terrace to CCTV is a useful tool to decrease anti-social North Terrace) behaviour and increase public safety. Council • John Street - north side (Crennan Street to will continue to work with SAPOL to determine Davison Street) areas that require the presence of increased surveillance and will continue to expand on the In addition to the concrete paths Council also number of cameras installed to improve public installed numerous new ramp openings as part safety. of the footpath program to improve the safety of road crossing by the disabled, elderly and those The cameras are monitored by Mount Gambier with prams and spent approximately $80,000 on Police and this has proven to be an effective resurfacing existing footpaths. initiative.

62 “I’d also like to thank Council staff who took the REUSE MARKET OPENING idea that we had and dealt with the logistics The Mount Gambier ReUse Market was officially to make it happen. The staff are so passionate opened on Saturday 8 December 2018. The about giving recovered items another useful life market provides a variety of second hand goods and have been supported along the way with for sale at 3 Eucalypt Drive Mount Gambier assistance from students from the Independent and aims to reduce waste going to landfill by Learning Centre.” upcycling and reusing useful items. Community support for the new initiative City of Mount Gambier Deputy Mayor Sonya has been overwhelming with more than 500 Mezinec spoke at the opening event and said the people visiting the market and more than 250 market concept is a demonstration of Council’s transactions made during one of the first open commitment to dealing with rubbish differently as days. part of the reduce, reuse and recycle philosophy. “I’d like to thank the community for embracing “We’ve got fast food, we’ve got fast fashion the idea of donating items for the market, there and now we’ve got fast furniture. We can buy has been an enormous amount of interest and household items very cheaply now which sends on the occasions it has been open it has been the message that when you get sick of it, you just packed and people have really enjoyed their time throw it out and get something new,” Cr Mezinec browsing.” said. “The success of the market is only limited to the “We are hoping to change that attitude with the extent that the community support it and when ReUse Market, so that all those items that are still you take a look you’ll see the magic that has been useful can be reused by someone else.” created by the ReUse Market team,” Cr Mezinec The $560,000 recovery facility was the brainchild said. of the former Council, formally endorsed in August 2017. “It takes a lot of people, talent and commitment to make these ideas become reality. I acknowledge the work of Council’s former Environmental Sustainability Committee. As a group we advocated strongly for the market concept and for Council to allocate funds toward i t .”

General Manager City Infrastructure Nick Serle, ReUse Market Coordinator Rebecca Mobbs, ReUse Market Attendants Tanis Alexander and Michael Satterley.

Deputy Mayor Sonya Mezinec cuts the ribbon to officially open the Mount Gambier ReUse Market.

63 BUILDING DIVISION _

Throughout 2018/2019 Council’s building • Maintenance of Asbestos and Essential Safety division has continued to support local builders Provisions registers, and and professionals to deliver a core range of • Administration to Council’s Building Fire services including: Safety Committee. • Building rules certification of proposed These duties are carried out under a series of development, regulations and statutory instruments adopted • Onsite audit-based inspection of construction under the Development Act 1993 and the National activities, Construction Code. • Approval for occupation of commercial Council’s building division records statistics premises, regarding activities within the local construction industry which are as follows:

2018/2019 2017/2018 2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015 Dwellings 62 102 87 85 101 Dwelling additions 21 24 24 18 31 Outbuildings 145 160 155 172 181 Commercial 57 32 22 22 26 Industrial 11 4 21 13 6 Signage 3 15 9 9 16 Wastewater 2 2 2 2 0 Other 43 52 78 61 56 Total number of development 348 391 398 382 417 applications Estimated total development $34,190,596 $47,052,940 $39,254,506 $32,562,828 $43,093,104 expenditure

MOUNT GAMBIER RAILWAY LANDS AND RAIL TRAIL ADDED TO THE HEART FOUNDATION ‘HEALTHY ACTIVE BY DESIGN’ WEBSITE The Mount Gambier Railway Lands and Rail Trail were added to the Heart Foundation ‘Healthy Active by Design’ website in January 2019, featuring alongside a range of case studies from around Australia. The Heart Foundation recognises the Railway Lands and Rail Trail as high quality projects developed for the greater benefit of the community. By highlighting high quality projects, the Heart Foundation is hoping that industry practitioners will be inspired to change standard practices to promote health and wellbeing outcomes. To view the case study, visit www.healthyactivebydesign.com.au/case- studies/the-railway-lands-and-rail-trail-walking-and-cycling-path

64 The $146,000 project formed part of Council’s FREW PARK RV PARK AND DUMP 2018/2019 infrastructure budget and included POINT the installation of a grey and black water dump The recreational vehicle (RV) parking area point and connection to sewer, solar lighting, based at Frew Park on Penola Road was picnic benches, drinking water fountain, completed in May 2019 following months bitumen works and landscaping. of construction and the demolition of the “The location is an ideal site given its close former St John Ambulance building. proximity to the visitor centre and visibility Council demolished the former St John from major roads, but most importantly it’s Ambulance building in 2016 after it had only a five minute walk to the city centre,” Mr reached the end of its useful life. The site has Morgan said. now been transformed into a parking area and “Frew Park also provides the perfect area for dump point for long vehicles, trailers, motor families or pets to have a run around after homes and caravans to allow easy access to being cooped up in the car travelling.” the city centre. The Australian Caravan Club (ACC) “Council was approached by a number of commended Council on the initiative hailing individuals and organisations seeking RV and the project as a step towards making Mount caravan parking close to the CBD,” City of Gambier an RV friendly city. Mount Gambier Manager Engineering Design and Contracts Daryl Morgan said. “There are tens of thousands of RV travellers on the road at any one time throughout “A concept plan was developed and we worked Australia and it has been well documented that closely with groups such as the Australian these travellers spend at least $100 per day on Caravan Club to refine the plans for the RV average,” ACC Limestone Coasters President park and dump point.” Paul Smith said. “These dollars can only be spent in places that provide suitable parking and facilities.” There are currently no time limits in place for vehicle parking during the day, however Council by-laws prohibit overnight camping. Council has included a number of environmentally sustainable initiatives throughout the project such as solar lighting and park benches constructed from recycled plastic.

City of Mount Gambier Manager Engineering Design & Contracts Daryl Morgan stands beside the dump point installed at the site allowing users to dispose grey and black water from recreational vehicles free of charge.

65 COUNCIL ASSESSMENT PANEL _

The Planning, Development and Infrastructure • Ian Von Stanke (Presiding Member) Act 2016 requires all councils in South Australia • Peter Seebohm to establish a Council Assessment Panel (CAP) to act as a delegate of Council in the • Mark Teakle assessment of development applications. • Cr Paul Jenner. The role of the CAP is to make development For the 2018/2019 financial year the CAP decisions as a relevant authority pursuant to considered 21 development applications. the Act; the CAP has sole regard to Council’s Development Plan and any referral advice to The CAP holds meetings on the third Thursday of determine the merits of each proposal. each month in the Level 1 Committee Room, 10 Watson Terrace Mount Gambier commencing at Development applications that are referred 5:45pm (unless otherwise determined). to the CAP are usually those applications that are at serious variance to the Development The agreed sitting fees are: Plan, are considered to be contentious and/ Ordinary meetings: or have received representations objecting to • Presiding Member the development as part of the community $250 excluding GST, notification process. • Other independent members The CAP can also provide advice and reports $200 excluding GST, to Council regarding trends, issues and other matters relating to planning and development. • Council Member appointees This advice can emerge as a result of performing $200 excluding GST. its development assessment function and in Special meetings: performing other duties as assigned by the Council. • Presiding Member $60 excluding GST, The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act requires that the membership of the CAP • Other independent members must be no more than five members, only one of $50 excluding GST, which may be an Elected Member. All members of • Council Member appointees the CAP are appointed by Council and must have $50 excluding GST. experience and/or qualifications in town planning (Mrs Travers was paid a travel allowance or a similar field of expertise. to attend meetings). The CAP members until February 2019 were: Where the meeting does not require the • Elizabeth Travers (Presiding Member), attendance of members in person and can be • Peter Seebohm, undertaken by phone due to a small agenda, the minor nature of items for discussion and lack of • Margaret Trotter, need for site inspections, the sitting fees are as • Ian Von Stanke (former Councillor). follows: During this time there remained one vacancy on • Presiding Member the CAP. $60 excluding GST, Every two years Council seeks nominations for • Other independent members people to form a new CAP. After a nomination $50 excluding GST, process in January 2019 the following people were appointed to the CAP in February 2019: • Council Member appointees $50 excluding GST.

66 “Builders, designers and trades need to NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE familiarise themselves with key changes that have CHANGES an impact on housing, including condensation Local builders and associated trades were management, changes to energy efficiency encouraged to get informed about significant enhanced documentation requirements, revised changes to the National Construction Code masonry and cladding provisions and new (NCC) which came into effect on 1 May 2019. separating walls.” The NCC is produced and maintained by the The Housing Industry Association (HIA) Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and is a presentation offered an in depth revision of the uniform set of technical provisions for the design 2019 NCC Australian Standards requirements in and construction of new buildings and other Volume One (commercial buildings) and Volume structures throughout Australia. Two (residential dwellings) and a brief review of the South Australian planning and building “The NCC is the primary document for control changes. builders, designers, architects, assessors and surveyors to refer to when designing and/or “It is important for builders and trades to assessing buildings for compliance to minimum understand any required changes that may requirements to gain council building approval,” impact on day to day work practices and City of Mount Gambier Building Officer Paul Gibbs procedures.” said. Mr Gibbs and consulting Building Surveyor Dave “The 2019 revision includes many changes from Vandborg attended the National Construction the previous version issued in 2016.” Code (NCC) 2019 Symposium in Canberra in April 2019 to update their knowledge and Mr Gibbs encouraged builders and associated understanding regarding the changes now in trades such as carpenters, brick layers force. and plumbers to become aware of their responsibilities by registering to attend the 2019 HIA Business Industry Update held at the Council office at the Civic Centre on Friday 24 May 2019.

City of Mount Gambier Building Officer Paul Gibbs (left), Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) Chief Executive Officer Brett Mace, AIBS Board president Troy Olds and City of Mount Gambier consulting Building Surveyor Dave Vandborg at the 2019 National Construction Code Symposium in Canberra. 67 COMMUNITY AND RECREATION HUB

WORK ON THE COMMUNITY AND RECREATION HUB CONTINUES BEHIND THE SCENES TO DELIVER THE LARGEST INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT COUNCIL HAS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE END OF 2021.

68 Community Reference Group The Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Community Reference Group (CRG) met for the first time on Wednesday 18 July 2018, following Council endorsement of 17 members of the CRG at its July meeting. The community members represent local schools, swim clubs, allied health care providers, community youth groups, sporting/recreation club representatives and other community groups. “You can clearly see the vision for this centre and this is the first time in many years that all local sports clubs and community groups are working together,” CRG member Scott Martin said.

Name Applied to CRG to represent: Graham Dowie Primary school, secondary school, sport/rec club representative Julie Moran Swimming Scott Martin Netball Tom Kosch Basketball, other community group Phil Lowe Local swim school and club, swimming Hazel Grant Allied health care providers Lisa Thomas Primary school, secondary school James Stephenson Other community group Jamie MacDonald Swimming Yvette Holmes Netball Matthew Charlton Tennis Peter Collins Secondary school, local swim school and club, sporting/rec club representative, other community group Nathan Stratford Sporting/rec club representative, other community group Nick Watson Other community group Jordi Lee Gower Netball Ethan Hopgood Community Youth Group (YAG) Matthew Sutton Sporting/rec club representative, basketball

CRG members, Elected Members and council staff at the first CRG meeting.

69 COMMUNITY AND $15m Federal funding announcement (stage 2 RECREATION HUB progression) On 15 October 2018 Council received news Intermediate designs • The courts can also be that $15million had been earmarked for the Following months of work with used for other purposes such as large conferences/ project, following an the community and external announcement by Federal specialists, the intermediate events/performances accommodating more than Member for Barker Mr designs and draft financial Tony Pasin MP. modelling for the proposed 1000 people, including Mount Gambier Community breakout areas and smaller The Federal funding was and Recreation Hub were conference/meeting rooms. contingent on majority completed in October 2018. • Versatile space with a stage community support to be for live performances, determined by an elector Since April 2018, Council survey. worked towards developing retractable seating, efficient concept plans for the acoustics, projection and IT In addition to securing community facility and facilities. the Federal grant, Council conducted financial analysis • Aquatics including learn continued to lobby the and cost estimates. The to swim pool, children’s State Government with intermediate designs and cost water splash/play area, support from Member for estimates were prepared as part 25 metre pool and a warm Mount Gambier Troy Bell of the shovel ready proposal water pool. All facilities will for funds to progress the in readiness for a full business be to regulation size with project. case submission for funding disability access. under the Federal Government • Youth program area Regional Growth Fund (RGF). • Amenities including a Council and the Community crèche, café and office Reference Group (CRG) worked space for sporting groups with architects Design Inc and allied health, disability and Co-Op Studio to develop access and storage areas. intermediate designs for the Community and Recreation • Fitness spaces located on Hub. the first floor along with community and conference “Proactive engagement with a rooms with associated range of community groups and amenities. service clubs and the CRG has provided valuable community • Seating on the first floor, input into the possible uses overlooking the six multi- of the facility and the overall purpose courts. Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Peter Collins (CRG), Cr Max Bruins, design and functionality,” • The current 50 metre pool Graham Dowie (CRG), Cr Ben Hood, former City of Mount Gambier will be retained for summer Mayor Lynette Martin OAM, Yvette Holmes (CRG), Matt Sutton (CRG), CEO Mark McShane said. use with easy access to the Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Scott Martin (CRG), Nathan Stratford (CRG), Core design features and new facility. Jamie Bignell (CRG) and Hazel Grant functional elements of the (CRG) celebrate the ‘yes’ vote at the • The exterior features include Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre in Community and Recreation Hub increased car parking, January 2019. include: undercover drop off areas • Six regulation size, multi- and paved and landscaped purpose courts for ball entrance. sports and a range of other recreation and fitness purposes.

70 State Government awards Community engagement and elector postal survey $10m in funds to the project A focused community engagement campaign commenced On 18 January 2019 the State on Saturday 10 November 2018 to inform the community Government announced and electors about the Community and Recreation Hub, the a funding commitment of intermediate design elements including possible functions $10million from the State and uses, the costs and to provide the opportunity for Regional Growth Fund to assist questions to enable the community to make an informed with the project. decision when surveyed. “Confirmation of the State Council’s project team hit the streets at a variety of locations Government and Federal throughout the City to answer questions and inform the Government funding to our community about the facility. community totalling $25million for the project is a huge vote Survey distribution commenced on 28 November 2018 to of support for our City and the 19,322 electors on the City of Mount Gambier electoral roll. region,” Mayor Martin said. The one ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question posed to electors was ‘Based on the design and the information on the sheet provided do you The Federal and State support the development of the Community and Recreation Government grant Hub?’ commitments ensure the Community and Recreation Hub On 8 January 2019 the survey results were received by proposal can proceed. Council. The City of Mount Gambier electors voted in favour of the Community and Recreation Hub proposal.

Of a total 8,722 elector survey returns, 71.6 per cent voted Grant District Council ‘yes’ in support of the project, and 28.4 per cent voted ‘no’. announces support The total number of ‘yes’ votes was 6,230 On Tuesday 22 January while 2,466 electors voted ‘no’ with a 0.13 2019 Council welcomed per cent invalid response rate. formal notification of a “Our community has spoken and have $350,000 contribution clearly indicated they want this project to to the capital costs of the go ahead,” Mayor Martin said. project from neighbouring District Council of Grant.

71 Sod turning COMMUNITY AND The first sod was turned at RECREATION HUB Olympic Park on Monday 29 April 2019 to mark the official commencement of the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub project. Final Federal funding hurdle Government will support the In consultation with Council, overcome Community and Recreation Hub Architects DesignInc and project with $15million in grant City of Mount Gambier Co-Op Studio have provided funding,” Mayor Martin said. welcomed Federal Member a preliminary project plan for Barker Tony Pasin’s “This is the largest grant the outlining timelines for the announcement on 22 March local community has ever next stage of the historic 2019 that $15million in Federal received and Council would like project. grant funding for the Mount to acknowledge the work of “This ground-breaking event Gambier Community and Mr Pasin for his assistance in is a historic occasion for Recreation Hub project under securing the funds.” Mount Gambier and Council the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) Council endorsed spending is working with the design has been formally approved. of up to $66,000 for an team to establish the draft City of Mount Gambier Mayor early works package for the implementation plan as a Lynette Martin expressed her Community and Recreation Hub work in progress which will delight that the final hurdle to at its meeting on Tuesday 19 be further refined as we secure Federal funds for the March 2019. move forward,” Mayor Martin facility has been cleared. said. “Council is absolutely thrilled to “You won’t physically see hear from Member for Barker works happening on site Tony Pasin that the Federal for a few months, but there is a lot going on in the background including

Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Deputy Mayor Sonya Mezinec, Cr Frank Morello, development approvals, the Community Development and Stakeholder Engagement Officers Heidi Gajic and Ben commencement of soil and Kilsby, Strategic Projects Officer Danielle Leckie, Cr Ben Hood, General Manager City Growth Judy Nagy, Cr Max Bruins, General Manager Community Wellbeing Barbara water testing and the timber Cernovskis, Cr Steven Perryman, former CEO Mark McShane and Member for Mount feasibility study.” Gambier Troy Bell.

72 Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, Councillors Kate Amoroso, Frank Morello and Ben Hood with Mayor Lynette Martin, Councillor Sonya Mezinec and Member for Barker Tony Pasin.

KEY PROJECT MILESTONES TO DATE

21 March 2018 November/December 2018 funding endorsed by Council. Initial community forum held Community information at the Sir Robert Helpmann sessions and intensive 25 January 2019 Theatre. engagement to educate Full business case submitted the community to make an to Federal Government. 24 April 2018 informed decision prior to Council accepted a petition the elector survey. 22 March 2019 signed by more than 10,000 $15million Federal community members in 14 December 2019 Government funding support of an indoor sport and Submission of business confirmed. recreation facility. case submitted to State Government for funding. 29 April 2019 26 April 2018 Sod turning ceremony at the EOI submitted for Federal 21 December 2018 site. Government funding. Elector survey submissions closed. .... 17 July 2018 Appointment of Community 6 January 2019 Still to come: Reference Group. Survey results announced. 71.6% voted in favour of the • Finalised design and 15 October 2018 project. costings, Member for Barker Tony Pasin • Tender process, MP announced $15million has 18 January 2019 been earmarked for the project Confirmation of $10million • Naming of facility, (progression to stage 2 of EOI). funding from the State • Construction, Government. 18 October 2018 • Facility open. Intermediate designs and 22 January 2019 preliminary costings received. DC Grant announced funding support of $350,000.

23 January 2019 Full business case for Federal

73 LOCAL HERITAGE CARINYA GARDENS CEMETERY RESTORATION FUND _ _

The Local Heritage Restoration Fund was The gardens, chapel and surrounds of Carinya established by the City of Mount Gambier to Gardens continue to provide a peaceful assist owners of local heritage listed properties ambience for bereavement services. to undertake conservation work such as Great pride is taken in the quality of services painting, repairs, extensions and re-roofing. offered to the community at Carinya Gardens, In 2018/2019 Council allocated $20,000 for the particularly to families in a time of need. Local Heritage Restoration Fund to 15 owners There were 481 services conducted at the of local heritage dwellings within the City on the cemetery during the 2018/2019 year, compared recommendation of the Heritage Sub Committee. with 480 in the previous year. This is the 16th year that Council has offered The cemetery undertook 95 burials compared grants as part of the Local Heritage Restoration with 114 the previous year, and a total of 386 Fund. All applicants demonstrated potential cremations were performed compared to 366 in conservation of their local heritage property and 2017/2018. were all offered funds. Mount Gambier resident Darren Coxon was one of the successful applicants in 2018/2019. Mr Coxon received $1,500 to assist with the cost of replacing and painting fascias, reinstating original bull nose verandah and restoring original ceilings and cornicing at his historic property, which dates back to 1902, located on the iconic Bay Road. “We loved the location and period of the home and this was a great opportunity to restore the home back to its original condition,” Mr Coxon said. Council is committed to protecting Mount Gambier’s heritage and assisting heritage property owners to maintain their buildings. “It is important that local heritage buildings are preserved and by Council providing assistance this will ensure the character of these buildings will be maintained for years to come,” Mr Coxon said. Carinya Garden Cemetery staff Brian Sparrow and Brian Whitwell demonstrate the use of the grave safety fence. The Local Heritage Restoration Fund assisted with the cost of extensive works at this historic Bay Road property.

74 BLUE LAKE GOLF COURSE LEASING CARINYA GARDENS CEMETERY OPTIONS DISCUSSED CUSTOM EQUIPMENT The City of Mount Gambier discussed leasing Carinya Gardens Cemetery staff have options associated with the Queen Elizabeth developed an adjustable elevated lowering Park Trust (QEPT) and the Blue Lake Golf device and grave safety fence that is now Course in confidence at the Council meeting used for every adult sized burial on site. held on Tuesday 21 May 2019. The innovation was inspired by an It followed a confidential deputation from the Blue occupational health and safety issue which Lake Golf Club made to the Operational Standing highlighted that Council was responsible for Committee meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2019 and the safety of pallbearers who get very close a confidential letter from the QEPT regarding the to open grave sites at the cemetery. lease of the Blue Lake Public Golf Links which was “The pallbearers are generally mourners at due to expire on 30 June 2019. a service and they don’t get much training Following discussions with Golf Australia the on what to do and how to do it. It’s very Blue Lake Golf Club approached Council seeking awkward to carry a heavy coffin over the top to lease the golf course directly from Council, of a grave,” Carinya Garden Cemetery Team a proposal which was endorsed at the meeting Leader Brian Sparrow said. together with a $75,000 operational grant in the “I went to a conference and I saw a lowering first year. device there with rollers on it so I came back “Council has been approached by both the QEPT and came up with something to suit the and Blue Lake Golf Club in regard to the future purpose.” of the golf course. Council has considered both Mr Sparrow worked with local company approaches in confidence and has given due BKM Custom Fabrication to come up with a consideration to a fair and reasonable outcome prototype that took three months to develop. for the community and the parties involved,” Acting CEO Barbara Cernovskis said. “It’s important for Council to be innovative in relation to projects like this, especially when The Blue Lake Golf Club signed a new lease it comes to safety considerations,” he said. for the Blue Lake Golf Course on 28 June 2019, ending 12 months of uncertainty “The safety fence acts as a barrier to stop around the future of the public course and the anyone from falling into the grave. It sits on commencement of a new chapter in the courses a specially made trailer for us to be able to history after 40 years of management by the transport it to the grave and use a crane to Queen Elizabeth Park Trust. lift it up, swing it around and drop it on the grave. The whole unit is over 200 kilograms.” The Trust first entered into a lease for the land on the south western face of the Mount Gambier The team has been using the lowering device crater in February 1979. since August 2018. This process has seen the Blue Lake Golf Club “The feedback from mourners and funeral engage its members as volunteers to perform an directors has been really positive.” array of activities associated with maintaining The equipment is also used for burials at the and operating the course, with the support of golf Lake Terrace Cemetery. pro and longstanding manager and operator of the Linksview Bar and Bistro, Bill Burley. The 2019/2020 year will be crucial to the Blue Lake Golf Club establishing its credentials to operate the Blue Lake Golf Course, with Council taking a keen interest in ensuring that it operates in a financially sustainable manner and has a long term plan for the management of assets under its control.

75 “You can match a burial or headstone to most of LAKE TERRACE CEMETERY 150TH the street names in town.” COMMEMORATION The Mount Gambier History Group “There are about 10,000 burials from a wide cross commemorated 150 years of burials at the Lake section of our community over the decades, with Terrace Cemetery on Sunday 2 September some huge ornate memorials and headstones 2018. signifying wealthy families, while just across the driveway you’ll also find unmarked graves,” she Edward Hodge, the 13 week old baby son of said. Thomas and Harriet Hodge was the first burial at the cemetery. In 1993, members of the history group put together a self-guided tour booklet ‘Little Grey “He was buried in an unmarked grave, which was Walks’ to encourage people to explore the local not unusual at the time, but the history group has history within the cemetery. since installed a plaque to commemorate him as the first burial at the site,” Mount Gambier History “The tour takes about two hours and was put Group member Lynn Lowe said. together by the late Pat Galpin and Christine Heness. At the time, this really started to “There are a lot of children buried in there, one regenerate interest in the cemetery again family lost four children within a short period as unless it was a family plot, no new burials of time to diphtheria, while another family occurred on site from 1966 when Carinya lost four of their older children in two years to Gardens opened through until the early 1990s.” tuberculosis.” Former City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee Ms Lowe said the 8,000 headstones in the unveiled a plaque at the event. cemetery tell the story of Mount Gambier’s people. The Lake Terrace Cemetery is owned and maintained by the City of Mount Gambier.

Mount Gambier History Group members Lynn Lowe, Jeanette Aslin, Jim Galpin and Phil McInnes with former Mayor Andrew Lee at the Lake Terrace Cemetery 150th commemoration held on Sunday 2 September 2018.

76 TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT _ 77 TOURISM AND VISITOR SERVICES SNAPSHOT _

Visitation to Mount Gambier US/CANADA EUROPE NSW/ACT 11% 61% 12% LOCAL 14% OTHER 6% ASIA 13%

Domestic International visitors visitors (81%) NZ (19%) 7%

OTHER SA VIC OTHER 29% 39% 8%

@MOUNTGAMBIER 101 POSTS VISITORCENTRE 225,125 ORGANIC REACH 68,437 3,385 VISITORS THROUGH VISITORS SERVICED THE DOOR AT POP-UPS

@DISCOVERMOUNTGAMBIER OUR KEY CAMPAIGN 667,083 ORGANIC REACH Australian Traveller Magazine SINCE 1 JULY 2018 • Print editorial and online displays • Above-average click through rate online SATC FEATURED CAMPAIGNS @DISCOVER_MOUNT_GAMBIER • ‘Tell us where’ campaign with #DISCOVERMOUNTGAMBIER Umpherston Sinkhole featured in 2,660 HASHTAG USES Sydney Metro • 2019 Winter campaign OTHER PROMOTION • ‘7 Wonders of Australia’ by DISCOVERMOUNTGAMBIER.COM.AU Experience Oz 75,553 TOTAL SITE VIEWS • Network Ten’s ‘The Living Room’ • Channel 9 News

78 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT _

• Tour of the Great South Coast, COMMUNITY EVENTS CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMIC • Junior Basketball Tournament, DEVELOPMENT • Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb. In 2018, the City of Mount Gambier invested “It is important to recognise that the economic $440,094 (financial and in-kind) to support benefits flow on to businesses in the City of local events, with a conservative estimated Mount Gambier and the nearby region. Council’s return of more than $16.4million in economic contributions provide for significant returns that benefits to Mount Gambier. flow to the visitor economy and as the economy This is an improvement on the 2017 result, grows, this builds opportunities for economic with Council investing $401,033 with a return development,” Dr Nagy said. conservatively estimated at $13.8million in economic benefits. A report using conservative modelling as an indication of the significant leverage that can be Tour of the Great South Coast is one of the many Council achieved from Council supported activities was supported events which generates a significant economic presented to Council in May 2019. It provided an boost to the City. Photo credit: Con Chronis. indication of the contributions Council makes through its annual budget to the community towards ongoing sponsorship of events in the City and the region. “The report does not attempt to capture all events. It summarises by month the economic benefit that comes to our community from visitors who attended the larger events in the calendar year of 2018 that occur annually or bring large numbers of visitors to Mount Gambier,” General Manager City Growth Judy Nagy said. “It does not capture the additional wellbeing and other benefits that flow to our residents from having a varied program of events to enrich our community.” “It shows an estimate of the number of people involved in any event and includes assumptions that are conservative. Though it is not possible to determine numbers with accuracy, outcomes indicate that Council’s event sponsorship provides benefits far in excess of the dollars and staffing resources allocated,” Dr Nagy said. Some of the annual Council sponsored events that generated the highest domestic average spend ($136 per night multiplied by the number of nights they may stay) included: • Fringe Festival, • Generations in Jazz,

79 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT _

LIMESTONE COAST INVESTMENT SHOWCASE In August 2018 a delegation of 12 Asian investors visited the Limestone Coast for a two day showcase throughout the region to investigate ways to value-add to local primary produce. The delegation of Chinese and Malaysian investors visited Mount Gambier, Coonawarra, Millicent, Blue Lake Dairy and Mayura Station in search of opportunities to invest in local tourism, horticulture, agriculture, seafood and wine industries. “It is widely recognised that Australian agriculture will need to find innovative ways to attract domestic and foreign investment to the level of $600 billion between now and 2050 to play in the Asian market,” former City of Mount Gambier Investment Attraction Manager Bruce Rodda said. “To grow our regional economy we need to attract more investment into agriculture to enable the value-add we so desperately need The delegation of Chinese and Malaysian investors to gain maximum returns from exporting our began their whirlwind tour of the region at the premium products.” Oatmill Complex. Mr Rodda said several of the investors on the tour were familiar with the local area and keen to inject capital into the region. “Many of the investors that we are hosting on this visit have already invested millions of dollars into the South Australian economy. Others have exported many thousands of dollars of high quality woollen products and lobster from the Limestone Coast.” The Limestone Coast Investment Showcase is a collaboration between Immigration SA, the South Australian Tourism Commission, City of Mount Gambier, Wattle Range Council, District Council of Robe, Limestone Coast Local Government Association and Regional Development Australia.

80 We are delighted that the government has backed our vision and we look forward to TOURISM bringing the vision to reality,” Tourism Mount _ Gambier Chair Kent Comley said. City of Mount Gambier Tourism and Economic Development Manager Donna Foster said the program aims to increase the attractiveness of Mount Gambier as a destination and encourage GUIDES OF MOUNT GAMBIER visitors to stay longer, spend more and support FUNDING BOOST local economic growth and jobs. In July 2018 Tourism Mount Gambier “This project will work closely with community welcomed $20,000 in Federal Government stakeholders to develop content, stories Building Better Regions Fund Community and fact sheets to share Mount Gambier’s Investments to bring the Guides of Mount stories. The program will build skills and Gambier visitor economy project to life to business capacity to positively influence visitor revitalise the local tourism industry. perceptions,” Ms Foster said. Tourism Mount Gambier matched the funds “The business case shows that in three years provided by the Federal grant to develop the Guides of Mount Gambier program will Guides of Mount Gambier, a long term project create an estimated $2.9million in visitor in partnership with the City of Mount Gambier, spend per year.” to create a formal professional tour guiding program within the local tourism industry. The guided tours will be based around themes such as geology, volcanoes and history or early “Guides of Mount Gambier is a concept that settler years. has been developed as a key initiative by Tourism Mount Gambier in our strategic plan. “The project will draw on expertise from organisations such as Savannah Guides and the South Australia Tourism Industry Council to provide in depth knowledge and experience Tourism Mount Gambier Board Chair Kent Comley and City of Mount Gambier Tourism and Economic Development in the guiding field for those learning to lead Manager Donna Foster. tours,” Ms Foster said.

81 GUIDES OF MOUNT GAMBIER PILOT TOURISM PROGRAM SUCCESS _ The first guides under the Guides of Mount Gambier program were recruited and trained as part of the pilot formation and initial delivery ready for the 2018/2019 summer tourism season. A training program that was accessible to all of the community was offered at no cost. The comprehensive and interactive training was delivered over a two day period. The content included understanding guiding, storytelling, customer profiles and servicing, with a component of infield training. As an outcome of this training there were 13 official Guides of Mount Gambier graduates. The Guides of Mount Gambier framework is based on best practice and in consultation with industry and community. A code of conduct and charter was agreed to and the program structure created with input from all stakeholders. To ensure it aligned with national standards Russell Boswell (Savannah Guides) and Claire Ellis (consultant and Eco-Tourism Australia) came to assist in the development. The program

The inaugural Guides of Mount has developed into a sustainable initiative and created a Gambier celebrate their graduation pathway for growth with the possibility of introducing the from the program in readiness for the 2018/2019 summer tourism season. Guides program on regional, state and national levels. The tourism team is excited to roll out the second round of the program throughout the summer of 2019/2020.

82 “Although the region attracts experienced cave TOURISM INDUSTRY EVENINGS divers such as the Australians of the Year Dr The Mount Gambier Visitor Centre held the Richard Harris OAM and Dr Craig Challen SC first of its tourism industry update evenings OAM, it also offers opportunities for others to including presentations from local tourism experience these wonders such as snorkelling in businesses Reef 2 Ridge and Kilsby Sinkhole. Ewens Ponds and Kilsby Sinkhole. New abseiling The presentations provided insight into experiences are soon to be on offer too, with dry adventure tourism opportunities. caving to follow,” Ms Foster said. Reef 2 Ridge is Mount Gambier’s premier dive “It is so rewarding to see these products centre, offering snorkelling and scuba dive tours becoming available and the way our agencies and training. Owner Rob Main came to Mount and the private sector are collaborating to grow Gambier just over two years ago, starting his our visitor economy. We are working with both business from a van which evolved to his current the new operators and those already delivering shopfront operation employing nine people. adventure experiences, such as Engelbrecht Cave, “I came from the Hunter Valley which is to increase capability and capacity in the industry considered an adventure centre for Australia, and share the story of our unique landscape." but having visited Mount Gambier I felt the “The session also highlighted the ghost opportunities here were substantial so my wife mushroom season which is in its third year - a and I packed up and moved to South Australia,” different kind of adventure and unique to Mount Mr Main said. Gambier.” The unique story of the Kilsby Sinkhole has Tourism industry evenings are held regularly to been thrust into the spotlight by Kilsby brothers provide a forum for the promotion of tourism Graham and Ben who have created a unique through presentations, information sharing and adventure tourism business operating only a connectivity. short drive from Mount Gambier. The sinkhole is on a working farm so access is restricted but can be obtained through advance bookings. The response to the new snorkelling tours introduced in December 2018 has resulted in a hive of activity at the sinkhole. “The water temperature is consistently 16 degrees all year round and we don’t get the swell and rips or predators of the ocean,” Kilsby Sinkhole Dive Instructor Jen Will said. Jen has experienced diving at sites all around the world and enjoys introducing beginners to snorkelling at the sinkhole. Tourism industry representatives listen “I love hearing the feedback from customers who to a presentation from Kilsby Sinkhole at have been afraid to snorkel but are now enjoying a tourism industry evening hosted by the this amazing experience”. Mount Gambier Visitor Centre. City of Mount Gambier Manager Tourism and Economic Development Donna Foster explained how the geology of the region has created natural wonders and ideal environments for fresh water diving and cave related exploring activities.

83 TOURISM _

UMPHERSTON NOMINATED FOR 7 WONDERS OF AUSTRALIA Mount Gambier’s Umpherston Sinkhole was among six iconic South Australian sites nominated in a nation-wide voting initiative to determine the ‘7 Wonders of Australia’. Umpherston Sinkhole joined Wilpena Pound, Naracoorte Caves, Lake Eyre, Lake Gairdner and Flinders Chase National Park as potential wonder nominees from South Australia. Experience Oz Social Media Coordinator Svenja Desinger (left), Marketing Manager Matt Hobbs, City of Mount Gambier Led by the country’s largest online marketplace Tourism Officer Madeleine Brookes and Manager Tourism And for travel experiences, Experience Oz, the ‘7 Economic Development Donna Foster. Wonders of Australia’ campaign asked Australians of voting age to select from a shortlist of 50 iconic Australian natural sites, landmarks and architectural icons submitted by state and The judging panel included representation regional tourism organisations from across the from some of Australia’s leading tourism and country. conservation organisations including Foundation The poll aimed to reinforce Australia’s majestic for National Parks and Wildlife Fund (WWF), Great sites as some of the best on the planet, Barrier Reef Foundation, The Wilderness Society, encourage domestic travellers to explore the best RACQ, TicketMates and Experience Oz. of their backyard, and highlight conservation and Experience Oz Marketing Manager Matt Hobbs environmental issues in a bid to encourage people said the campaign was designed to provide the to contribute to help preserve them. fairest possible perspective on such a list of sites, “We are very excited to see Umpherston Sinkhole while also shedding light on the importance of nominated in the national search for the ‘7 domestic travel and conservation of our wonders. Wonders of Australia’. It is an incredibly unique “People have been making lists of the top icons site that brings together nature, wildlife, geology of Australia for years, but they have always come and history into a single experience,” Tourism and from the - often biased - perspective of one Economic Development Manager Donna Foster writer. We now live in the age of crowdsourcing said. and, given we work with thousands of tourism “Umpherston Sinkhole is one of many geological experience businesses across the country and wonders from the Mount Gambier region. Our collaborate with tourism organisations in each geological make-up is truly unique and something state, our distribution network allows us to get everyone should experience for themselves.” a massive sample size of Aussies’ opinions,” Mr “The 7 Wonders of Australia concept really Hobbs said. encourages Australians to explore their own The wonders were selected based on a ‘backyard’, with so many diverse destinations to comprehensive criterion, which considers the explore.” level of recognition, natural, architectural or A number of nationwide and international cultural value, desirability and aspiration, rarity organisations collaborated on the campaign in a and uniqueness and tourism value of the wonder. quest to promote the ‘7 Wonders of the Australia’ “While Umpherston Sinkhole unfortunately and also engage conservation efforts. The once- didn’t make the final seven, it had some off campaign received significant support with tough competition with the likes of national 67,000 Australians who voted and a panel of icons including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, expert judges that deliberated over the country’s Whitsundays, Cradle Mountain and the Great most remarkable sites. Ocean Road and 12 Apostles,” Ms Foster said. 84 GOVERNANCE _ 85 COUNCIL POLICIES, REGISTERS AND CODES _

Council has adopted a wide range of Current council policies, registers and codes policies, registers and codes to assist in its and a range of other documents required by administrative and decision making processes. legislation are available at the Council office and at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au Council policies, registers and codes are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain up to The following policy index lists all current Council date with legislative requirements, Council and policies as at 30 June 2019. community expectation and emerging practices in local government.

City Infrastructure B150 Building - Sewer Connections, Waste Management Control and the Provision of Toilet Facilities C355 Council Land - Irrigation E135 Encroachments - Protection of Public during Building/Maintenance Work E500 Provision of Council Resources to Support the Emergency Services in Emergencies F110 Inspectorial - Fencing Costs - Contributions by Council F175 Engineering - Footways and Crossovers F190 Engineering Footways - Paving in City Centre Zone R270 Road Pavement – Excavation and Re-instatement of S115 Fencing and Stormwater Retention Basins T120 Tree Policy W115 Waste Management - Receival of Waste - Caroline Landfill W125 Waste Management - Refuse Collection Council Business Services B300 Budget Framework C200 Request for Service and Complaint C290 Internal Review of Council's Decisions C375 Council Vehicles - Provision and Replacement of F225 Fraud and Corruption Prevention P155 Privacy P415 Prudential Management P420 Procurement and Disposal of Land and Assets R105 Rates - Rating R130 Rates - General Matters R155 Rates - Rate Rebate R180 Records Management R200 Community Land (Reserves) Lease/Licence/Rental Arrangements

86 Council Business Services (continued) R305 Risk Management Framework S140 Street Numbering T150 Treasury Management City Growth A170 Advertising and Signage A240 Assemblies and Events on Streets and other Council Land A515 Animal Control - Dog A520 Animal Control C120 Cemeteries - Carinya Gardens and Lake Terrace Cemetery D140 Development Act - Delegations D150 Development Act - Building Inspection D160 Development Act - Inspection and Copying of Documents E240 Expiation Notices - Cancellation or Waiver F125 City Burning Policy F135 Flammable Undergrowth F500 Footways and Council Land - Removal of Objects F505 Footways and Council Land - Sales of Commodities F510 Footways and Council Land - Fundraising and Promotion L130 Land Divisions L230 Licensed Premises O110 Order Making P135 Planning - Entertainment Venues S120 Street Signs - Directional, Tourist and other Scenic Facility Signs S135 Streets - Naming of Community Wellbeing A270 Australia Day Awards C140 Main Corner Complex - Hire D230 Donations - Authority to Approve Requests H120 Historical Matters - Collection of H125 Historical Matters - Copyright - 'The Les Hill Photographic Collection' P195 Community Consultation and Engagement

87 COUNCIL POLICIES, REGISTERS AND CODES _

Council and Committees C305 Caretaker Policy C320 Council Chamber and Reception Area - Use of C410 Conduct of Meetings (s92 Code of Practice s90(8a)) E115 Elections - Council Entitlement to Vote F140 Flag Protocol M130 Media - Statements on behalf of Council M205 Members - Mayor - Anniversary Messages M225 Members - Service Recognition M265 Members - Complaint Handling M270 Members - Mayor Seeking Legal Advice M405 Members - Allowances, Reimbursements, Benefits and Facilities M500 Members - Training and Development S400 Supplementary Elections V140 Visits by Parliamentary/Governmental Representatives Chief Executive Officer C700 Corporate Branding and Identity E200 Employees - Service Awards - Gifts at Resignation or Retirement S175 Safe Environment W150 Whistleblowers Protection

The following codes and registers are required in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999;

Section of Act s68 Register of Interests (Members) s79 Register of Allowances and Benefits s105 Register of Remuneration, Salaries and Benefits s116 Register of Interests (Officers) s207 Register of Community Land s231 Public Road Register s252 By-Law Register s63 Code of Conduct for Members s92 Code of Practice for Access to Meetings and Documents s110 Code of Conduct for Employees

88 ELECTED MEMBER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT _

The Local Government Act 1999 and The 2018/2019 budget allocation for Elected regulations require mandatory training for Member training and development was Elected Members in accordance with the Local $12,418.00 and an amount of $22,229.77 was Government Association Training Standards expended. Of this figure $8,475.99 was utilised under the following headings: to procure accredited facilitators for a two day Elected Member strategic workshop and face- • Introduction to Local Government, to-face Elected Member mandatory training • Legal responsibilities, sessions held in Mount Gambier. • Council and committee meeting procedures, During 2018/2019, Elected Members were and provided opportunity to participate in variety of • Financial management and reporting. training programs, workshops and briefings. Following the 2018 Local Government Elections, Council conducted an Elected Member July 2018 to November 2018 Development Program for the newly elected • Elected Member strategic planning day for all Council and arranged for attendance at Elected members, Member mandatory training sessions via webinar • 2018 LGA AGM and Showcase: Mayor Lee, Cr or face-to-face sessions. Access to online training Mutton, Cr Von Stanke, Cr Persello. became available in June 2019. It is a requirement of the Local Government Act 1999 that Elected Member mandatory training be completed within the first 12 months of the new council term (i.e. by November 2019).

November 2018 to June 2019

Mayor Lynette Martin OAM Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 LGA Mayor’s and Chairperson’s Leadership Program (Adelaide) Elected Member two-day strategic workshop LGA media training 2019 LGA Best Practice Showcase and OGM (Adelaide) Cr Kate Amoroso Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop (1 day) 2019 LGA Best Practice Showcase and OGM (Adelaide) Meeting with LGA and SA Power Networks (Adelaide) Cr Max Bruins Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop Cr Christian Greco Nil Cr Ben Hood Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop LGA media training

89 ELECTED MEMBER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT _

Cr Paul Jenner Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop 2019 LGA Best Practice Showcase and OGM (Adelaide) Meeting with LGA and SA Power Networks (Adelaide) Meeting with SA Planning Commission (Adelaide - no cost) Cr Sonya Mezinec Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 2, 3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop Cr Frank Morello Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 1,2,3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop Cr Steven Perryman Elected Member Mandatory Training Modules 3 & 4 Elected Member two-day strategic workshop

Elected Members were also provided with the • Community and Recreation Hub Community opportunity to attend the following workshops, Reference Group briefing briefings and designated informal gatherings • Architects meeting with Regional Sport and from November 2018 to June 2019: Recreation Centre Committee • Strategic planning session • Architects meeting with Community and • Limestone Coast Local Government Recreation Hub Community Reference Group Association and Queen Elizabeth Park Trust • Community and Recreation Hub general • Community and Recreation Hub survey discussions outcome • Mount Gambier Public Art Strategy • Community and Recreation Hub next steps • SEAWL funding request and major and • Annual Business Plan and Budget 2019/2020, cultural events Long Term Financial Plan and Infrastructure • Waste management and Asset Management Plan • Regional Development Australia, Tourism • Community and Recreation Hub - meetings Mount Gambier and UniSA presentations with architects • Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget - 2nd • Queen Elizabeth Park Trust leasing matters workshop • Community and Recreation Hub status • Working party input update • Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget - 3rd • Architects presentation and Community workshop. Reference Group meeting

90 MEMBER ALLOWANCES AND REIMBURSEMENTS _

Since the 2010 Local Government Elections • Child/dependent care expenses, Elected Member allowances have been • Conference/seminar/training expense, determined by the independent Remuneration • Business cards, Tribunal in accordance with Section 76 of the • Mobile phone (Mayor only), Local Government Act 1999. In making its determination, the Tribunal must have regard • Office and executive assistance (Mayor only), to: and • Motor vehicle (Mayor only). • The role of members of Council as members of the Council’s governing body and as For mobile devices and data plans Council representatives of the area, determined reimbursements for computing • The size, population and revenue of the devices up to $1,500 per council term and an Council and any relevant economic, social, allowance for data of $600 per annum. demographic and regional factors in the For details including limitations and conditions council area, associated with council approved expense • That an allowance is not intended to amount reimbursements refer to Council Policy M405 to a salary for a member, – Members – Allowances, Re-imbursements, • That an allowance should reflect the nature of Benefits and Facilities adopted by Council a member’s office, and following the 2018 Local Government Elections. • That provisions of the Local Government All member base and prescribed committee Act provide for reimbursement of members allowances are paid monthly and non-prescribed expenses. committee allowances are paid quarterly in arrears. Section 76 of the Act further provides for allowances to be adjusted annually to reflect An Elected Member is entitled to decline payment changes in the Consumer Price Index. Elected of the allowance (see Section 76 (7) of the Act), Member allowances for the City of Mount but it must still be recorded in the Register. Gambier from the conclusion of the 2018 Local The allowances set out in the Remuneration Government Elections are as follows: Tribunal Determination will be adjusted annually on the first, second and third anniversaries of Council Group 2 classification the 2018 Local Government Elections to reflect (out of 5 groups) changes in the Consumer Price Index as defined Group 2 Base is $17,270 at Section 76 (15) of the Local Government Act Mayoral allowance 4 x $17,270 = $69,080 1999. Deputy Mayoral 1.25 x the $17,270 = Sitting fees for the Audit Committee are: allowance $21,587.50 • $100 per meeting or $50 for any special Presiding Member of As for Deputy Mayoral meeting for an independent person on the prescribed committee Allowance $21,587.50 Audit Committee, Members $17,270 • $150 per meeting or $100 for any special meeting for an independent Presiding Council also approved various other Member of the Audit Committee, reimbursements of expenses and support to • Elected Members on the Audit Committee members in accordance with Section 77 of the receive no sitting fee. Act, including: • Travelling expenses (outside of Council area only), 91 ELECTOR REPRESENTATION REVIEW _

Schedule 4 of the Local Government Act 1999 requires Council to publish in its Annual Report a statement of: • The Council’s representation quota, • The average representation quota for councils of a similar size and type (taking into account various factors prescribed by the regulations), • When the Council next intends to conduct a review under Chapter 3 Part 1 Division 2, and • The procedures that are available under Chapter 3 for electors to make submissions on representation under this Act. The following provides the required statements.

Select Outer Metropolitan & Regional Councils Composition & Elector Ratio (as at February 2019)

Council Members Electors Elector Ratio Port Augusta 10 9,491 1:949 Port Lincoln 10 10,360 1:1036 Barossa 12 17,600 1:1,466 Murray Bridge 10 14,334 1:1,433 Whyalla 10 15,248 1:1,524 Gawler 11 17,6 59 1:1,605 Mount Gambier 9 19,282 1:2,142 Mount Barker 11 24,593 1:2,235 Adelaide Hills 13 29,405 1:2,261

Section 12(4) of the Act outlines that the Council The following Council composition applied from must ensure that all aspects of the composition the 2018 Local Government Elections: of the Council are comprehensively reviewed at • The principal member of Council be a Mayor least once every eight years. elected by the community, Council last conducted an Elector Representation • The Council area not be divided into wards Review during the 2016/2017 year with an (i.e. retain the existing ‘no wards’ structure), amended composition to apply from the and November 2018 Local Government Elections. • The elected body of Council comprise eight Prior to the 2018 Local Government Elections Area Councillors and the Mayor. Council comprised of 10 Area Councillors with no wards and a Mayor elected by the community. The next representation review for the City of Mount Gambier is scheduled to occur between April 2024 and April 2025.

92 BY-LAWS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION _ _

Council had the following by-laws in operation The City of Mount Gambier received and during the 2018/2019 year: determined four applications under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 during the By-law No. 1 Permits and Penalties 2018/2019 year. By-law No. 2 Local Government Land Number of applications 4 By-law No. 3 Roads Number of applications carried over from 0 By-law No. 4 Moveable Signs 2017/2018 By-law No. 5 Dogs Full access granted 3 By-law No. 6 Taxi Regulation (until 31 December 2018) Access refused 1

By-laws are available on the Council website - Fees not paid 0 www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au Documents otherwise available 1 A by-law review was conducted during the Incomplete (as at 30 June 2019) 0 2017/2018 financial year. Replacement by-laws Applications for internal review 0 numbered 1 to 5 were adopted on 19 June 2018 and commenced operation from 5 November Decision confirmed 0 2018. Enquiries or requests for information under By-law No. 6 Taxi Regulation expired on 1 January the Freedom of Information Act 1991 should be 2019 following changes to state legislation that forwarded to: made Council unable to make a replacement by- Manager Executive Administration law. Taxi operations came under state jurisdiction City of Mount Gambier from 1 January 2019. PO Box 56 By-laws 1 to 5 will expire on 1 January 2026 after Mount Gambier SA 5290 the seventh anniversary of their adoption, unless [email protected] revoked or replaced prior to this date. An information statement in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 is published by the City of Mount Gambier and is available to view on Council’s website at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au

93 94 associated withtheuse of confidentiality provisions duringthe 2018/2019 financial year. Council meetingdates, subject, s90(3)grounds andstatus (asat30 June 2019) orders of s91(7) ^ * # Use orders of section 91(7) to keep documents confidential Use of section 90(2)orders to exclude publicandsection 90(3)grounds The following tables provide theinformation required to bepublishedfor the2018/2019 financial year: of theLocal91(7) Government Act. Council isrequired to report ontheuse of confidentiality provisions under subsections 90(2)and _ CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS Totals Includes expired, ceased andrevoked orders from previous financial years. Includes 20 orders thatremain operative from previous financial years. Some orders were madeundermore thanones90(3)ground, makingthetotal numberof orders less thantheaggregate for all 03-Jun-19 03-Jun-19 03-Jun-19 18-Jun-19 18-Jun-19 meeting Date of 19 orders made No. of S91(7) grounds.

ReportNo. AR19/27170 Community andRecreation Hub- Aquatic Facilities Scope ReportNo. AR19/27104 50m Pool Condition Report ReportNo. AR19/27126 Community andRecreation Hub-Geotech Survey ReportNo. AR19/26427 Property Management -Licence Expiry Review ReportNo. AR19/27812 Mount Gambier Agricultural andHorticultural Society Inc. Application 381/0334/2018 -1Pick Avenue, MountGambier- Environment, Resources andDevelopment Court –Development Engagement of Legal Representation for Appeal to the Subject of S90(2)order 26 No. of S90(2) # orders made

No. orders of S91(7) thatexpired, ceased (a) Personal affairs of 4 person

14 (b) Commercial advantage 4

to applyorwere revoked (c) Trade secret

(d) Prejudice 5 commercial position

(e) Safety/security of - Members/employees

1 (f) Maintenance of law 14* (g) Does not breach 9

No. orders of S91(7) remaining operative any law or court

4 (h) Legal advice

(i) Litigation may take (b) &(k) (b) &(k) (b) &(k) (b) &(d) &(h) (g) grounds S90(3) - place

(j) Info provided by 1 Crown or Minister Current Current Current Current Current June 2019) status (asat30 orderS91(7) at 30 June 2019 8 (k) Tenders

- (m) DPA’s 38^

- (n) FOI Date of Subject of S90(2) order S90(3) S91(7) order meeting grounds status (as at 30 June 2019) 03-Jun-19 Community and Recreation Hub - Timber Feasibility Structure (b) & (k) Current Study - Report No. AR19/27070 03-Jun-19 Community and Recreation Hub - Mechanical Plant Feasibility (b) & (k) Current Study - Report No. AR19/27041 21-May-19 Pump Track Project (d) Current Report No. AR19/24140 21-May-19 Queen Elizabeth Park Trust / Blue Lake Golf Course - Leasing (b), (d) & Partially expired Report No. AR19/24097 (h) 21-May-19 Engagement of Legal Representation for Appeal to the (g) & (h) Current Environment, Resources and Development Court - Development Application 381/0334/2018 - 1 Pick Avenue, Mount Gambier - Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society Inc. Report No. AR19/19698 21-May-19 Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre and Civic Centre: Fire Detection and (b) Current Emergency System Upgrade - Report No. AR19/19553 18-Mar-19 Execution of Agreement - Legal Advice (g), (h) & Expired Report No. AR19/12051 (j) 18-Mar-19 CEO Selection and Recruitment Committee (a) Expired Report No. AR19/12104 7-Mar-19 Discussion with QEPT on the WellPlayed Report, the QEPT’s (b), (c) & Partially expired response to that report and their proposed sub-leasing (g) arrangements. 7-Mar-19 QEPT WellPlayed Report and Documentation (b), (c) & Partially expired Report No. AR19/10346 (g) 7-Mar-19 Documents Relating to the Management of the Crater Lakes Area (b), (c) & Partially expired Report No. AR19/10304 (g) 7-Mar-19 Consideration of media statement and appointing Council (b), (c) & Expired Member as a spokesperson on matters relating to the QEPT (g) 19-Feb-19 Sale of Land for Non Payment of Rates (a) Current Report No. AR19/2015 19-Feb-19 Sale of Land for Non-Payment of Rates (a) Expired Report No. AR19/2005 19-Feb-19 Illegal Development - Mr RKH Pearson (Amberich Pty Ltd) (a) & (f) Current Report No. AR19/4134 19-Feb-19 Queen Elizabeth Park Trust matters (b) & (d) Expired 18-Dec-18 Request for Quote - CEO Selection and Recruitment (k) Expired 18-Dec-18 Property Management (b)(d)(g) Current 30-Aug-18 Tender - Caroline Landfill Cell 3C Construction (k) Expired Report No. AR18/34301 21-Aug-18 Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre 2018-19 Business Plan (g) Current Report No. AR18/30233 17-Jul-18 Tender AF18/244 Architectural Design, Documentation and (k) Expired Project Management: Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre - Report No. AR18/27217

95 COMMUNITY LAND INTERNAL REVIEW OF _ COUNCIL ACTIONS _

Council is required under the Local Government Council has adopted a formal policy and Act 1999 to adopt a Community Land procedure, C290 – Internal Review of Council’s Management Plan for any land classified as Decisions, in accordance with the requirements community land that has been specifically of Section 270 of the Local Government Act modified or adapted for the benefit or 1999. enjoyment of the community or that is, or is to The policy and procedure is reviewed during the be, occupied under a lease or licence. term of each Council and was last reviewed in Community Land Management Plans are March 2017. periodically prepared and/or reviewed and re- The procedure is one aspect of Council’s adopted for new and existing community land customer-focused approach to service delivery. It parcels. provides the opportunity for any person to seek a New community land parcels arise when Council review of a Council decision, the manner in which purchases land (that is not excluded prior to Council provides services to the community and acquisition) or receives land from subdivisions to identify areas for improvement. (usually in the form of reserves and roads). Roads The Internal Review of Council Decisions are specifically excluded from the definition of procedure applies to all formal requests for community land. review of decisions of Council, its employees When Council prepares a new, or reviews an or other persons acting on behalf of Council, existing, Community Land Management Plan it except in instances where specific procedures are undertakes public consultation in accordance prescribed in the Local Government Act 1999 or with the Local Government Act prior to its other relevant legislation where these alternative adoption. review processes will be followed. No Community Land Management Plans were Section 270(8) of the Act requires Council to adopted by Council during the 2018/2019 initiate and consider on an annual basis, and to financial year. include in the Annual Report, a report that relates to: Community Land Management Plans are available for inspection at the Council office. • The number of applications received under the provisions of Section 270, • The kinds of matters to which the applications relate, and • The outcome of applications. During the 2018/2019 financial year no formal applications were received in relation to Section 270 of the Act or the City of Mount Gambier Internal Review of Council’s Decisions Policy.

96 FINANCE _ 97 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS COMMISSION DATA _

The South Australian Local Government Grants Pursuant to the Local Government Act, all South Commission (SALGGC) is an independent Australian councils are required to submit an statutory authority established under the annual information return along with their audited South Australian Local Government Grants annual financial statements to the Commission. Commission Act 1992. From this information the South Australian Local The SALGGC makes recommendations to the Government Grants Commission prepares and Minister for Local Government on the distribution distributes a range of comparative data on each of untied Commonwealth Financial Assistance council, commonly referred to as the Grants Grants to local governing authorities in South Commission database reports. Australia. The SA Local Government Grants Commission Grants distributed aim to compensate councils website includes other database reports for the for differences between the costs of providing Local Government sector. Refer to services and revenue raising capacity. Grants for www.dpti.sa.gov.au/local_ govt/LGGC local governing authorities (councils) in South Australia are distributed in accordance with national principles set by the Commonwealth Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995. Councils may choose to have higher or lower levels of service according to their own priorities. The grants are untied and may be spent according to community priorities. The Commission aims to equalise councils’ financial capacity to provide a similar level of service to their communities. Equalisation refers to the financial capacity of the council, it does not mean that the level of service must be equal.

98 STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY _

Council’s financial management and sustainability focus has been on the implementation of an integrated planning and budgeting framework, a holistic approach to ensure Council’s functions, services and programs are aligned to meet the needs and expectations of Council and the community as articulated in the Community Plan 2016-2020 and related strategies and initiatives. This integrated approach ensures that Council’s strategic directions can be translated and cascaded into financial terms and guide the direction of Council in a financially sustainable manner over a period of at least 10 years. The Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) provides a comprehensive understanding of the impacts that decisions made today have on the future. The Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan (IAMP) focuses on future expenditure for new assets and the renewal of existing assets over a period of at least 10 years. It also encompasses planned and reactive maintenance of our assets and significantly influences the LTFP. Council has maintained strategic financial discipline with the 2018/2019 key indicators being in alignment with budget and reasonable compared to the local government targets. Council’s LTFP and IAMP are reviewed periodically in accordance with legislative requirements and are available from Council’s website at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au Council’s 2018/2019 operating surplus ratio sits within the local government target range of 0 - 10%. Council has a low level of financial liabilities (borrowings) and consequently the financial liability ratio has been reducing over time but is forecast to increase with the Community and Recreation Hub development. Council is working towards a review of its asset management framework and depreciation practices to boost its asset sustainability ratio which stands at 69% for the 2018/2019 financial year, compared to the local government target range of 90% to 110%.

Financial ratios Local Govt. LTFP target 2017/2018 2018/2019 target actual actual Operating surplus ratio 0% - 10% 0% 6% 1.4% Net financial liabilities ratio 0% - 100% 27% 17% 33% Asset sustainability ratio 90% - 110% 71% 72% 69%

ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN AND BUDGET _

The City of Mount Gambier’s Annual Business Plan and Budget are statements of the planned strategies, programs and financial outcomes for the financial year and were developed with reference to the Community Plan, LTFP and IAMP. Development of the Annual Business Plan and Budget is a fundamental component within the integrated planning and budgeting framework. The framework links Council's strategic suite of documents including the strategies, plans and initiatives with the budgeting process ensuring alignment and an optimal mix of services, programs, infrastructure and facilities are delivered with the LTFP and budget parameters. The Annual Business Plan and Budget defines the objectives for the financial year, the services, programs and activities required to deliver these objectives and how performance will be monitored and measured. 99 BUDGET ANALYSIS _

Council’s financial statements report an operating result of $437,000 for 2018/2019 compared to a budgeted operating surplus of $226,000. This improved result is a combination of the total expenses being $1,203k higher than budget, while at the same time the total income was $1,414k higher than budgeted for the year. This increase in revenue was impacted by the larger than anticipated prepayment of the 2019/2020 financial assistance grants and the receipt of the supplementary roads grants for the years 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. Other impacts include higher than anticipated Caroline Landfill revenue and related expenses, including depreciation expenses, and costs incurred in relation to the start of the Community and Recreation Hub project. The operating result represents the third consecutive year of operating surpluses recorded by Council.

Operating income, expenses and surplus/(deficit)

$35,000 $2,000 1,851 $30,000 $1,500 $25,000 1,334 $1,000 1,045 $20,000 437 $500 $15,000 $0 $10,000 -668 -550 $5,000 ($500) $0 ($1,000) *1,000 income/expenses *1,000

2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 surplus/(deficit) *1,000

Operating revenue Operating expenditure Operating surplus/(deficit)

Grants, Other Investment subsidies & income income Finance costs contributions 417 86 Depreciation, 203 4,435 Reimbursements amortisation & 19 impairment 7,4 24 Employee costs 11,800 User charges 5,021

Operating Operating income expenses ($’000) ($’000)

Statutory charges 426 Rates 21,433

Materials, contracts & other expenses 11,972

100 BUDGET ANALYSIS _

Council’s budget consists of programs and services that are regular and recur each year, new programs and services first delivered in 2018/2019 that will continue as a recurring program and projects and initiatives that do not recur annually, therefore may occur on a cyclical rotation or once-off. Council’s significant recurring capital programs are infrastructure in nature and for the 2018/2019 financial year included roads with an original budget of $2.31million (actual $2.34million), footpaths with an original budget of $912,000 (actual $770,965) and plant/equipment with an original budget of $1.62million (actual $1.16million). Additionally, some of the key projects that do not recur annually or were initiated in the 2018/2019 financial year include:

Program/ service Nature Original budget Actual Expense Capital Revenue Expense Capital Revenue ReUse Market First year, ongoing $194k $50k $30k $297k $75k $43k operations Local Government 4 year cycle $129k $119k Elections Customer Service Once-off $50k $103k counter and office Rail Trail – shared Once-off spanning $500k $250k $303k path continuation multiple years Budget and Once-off $50k $44k Business Intelligence software Polystyrene First year $35k $36k recycling machine Hay Drive Once-off $191k $163k demolition, fill and rebuild Frew Park RV Park Once-off $120k $146k and dump point

At the conclusion of the 2019 financial year $2.33million in capital expenditure was rolled over for projects that were still in progress, compared with $1.1million in 2018.

101 PROCUREMENT AND COMPETITIVE TENDERING _

The City of Mount Gambier’s Procurement National Competition Policy Policy, framework and administrative procedure The National Competition Policy seeks to remove ensures that procurement and tendering competitive advantages and disadvantages that activities are undertaken in a way that: arise through the ownership differences between • encourages open and effective competition, public and private sector entities engaged in significant business activities. • obtains value for money (not measured by price alone), During the financial year Council did not: • has consideration for social and economic • commence or cease any significant business benefits, activities, • encourages the use of local goods and • receive any complaints alleging a breach of services, competitive neutrality, • ensures probity and ethical behaviour, • provide any review or assistance in relation to the structural report of public monopolies, or • complies with work health and safety requirements, • implement any new by-laws that would restrict competition. Council’s taxi by-law • supports environmentally safe and No.6 ceased on 1 January 2019. sustainable practices, • appropriately identifies, assesses and manages risks, • promotes efficient purchasing practices and continuous improvement, and • aligns with strategic management plans. Council requires a formal tender process for purchases with an estimated expenditure of more than $50,000 and tender evaluation is carried out by a minimum three person panel with at least one person who is independent to the project. All formal tenders approach the market via a secure online platform. Council is committed to maximising the positive impact of our procurement activities to benefit the local community and economy (where all other material considerations are comparable).

102 PROCUREMENT AND COMPETITIVE TENDERING _

Procurement snapshot 49 FORMAL NEW PROCUREMENTS CONTRACTS OF WHICH SIGNED 70% WERE 210 AWARDED PREQUALIFIED LOCALLY CONTRACTORS (MINOR WORKS AND SERVICES)

All other states 9%

Victoria 7%

Total spend analysis

South Australia 38% Mount Gambier & Limestone Coast 46%

103 FIXED ASSET SNAPSHOT _

TOTAL ASSET VALUE $244.75M

466 142 OPEN SPACE 2 CEMETERIES 228KM DRAINAGE RESERVES SEALED BORES ROADS

142KM SEALED PATHS

2 SKATE PARKS LAND & BUILDINGS INFRASTRUCTURE $115.8M $115.5M PLANT & EQUIPMENT $5.5M

1 AQUATIC CENTRE OTHER $13.45M OTHER $0.95M BOOKS & MATERIALS 43 BUS SHELTERS $1.1M

THE RIDDOCH 108 BUILDINGS ART COLLECTION $3.5M 1,099 CATALOGUED ITEMS

CAROLINE LANDFILL

38 PLAYGROUNDS

104 RATES

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To deliver its services, programs and activities How rates are determined in 2018/2019, Council approved an increase Council’s rating strategy uses a combination of in the overall general gross rate revenue a fixed charge on every rateable property and a equivalent to 4.5%. differential or variable rating system, based on The overall percentage increase included a land use, when calculating general rates. growth component (i.e. new developments, new assessments) of 0.42% and a nominal increase of 4.08%. For the average residential ratepayer, the rate increase equated to an estimated $43 per FIXED annum, bringing the average annual residential rates to $1,188. Fixed charge Variable charge Rates (Property value x differential rate) Average rates 2017 2018 /2018 /2019 SA metro councils $1,542 $1,598 SA rural councils $1,306 $1,399 City of Mount Gambier $1,145 $1,188 NRM levy Total rates (Collected on behalf payable of NRM Board) In 2018/2019 City of Mount Gambier ratepayers paid approximately $211 less in residential rates City of Mount Gambier uses valuations from on average, in comparison to other regional the State Valuation Office. The rate in the dollar cities in South Australia*. determines how much is payable according *Based on the Local Government of South Australia rates survey to how much the property is worth. The fixed 2018/2019. charge component was $655.20 in 2018/2019, applicable to every rateable property, raising just under half (45%) of Council’s gross general rate revenue. The variable rating component that raises the remainder (55%) is determined by multiplying the individual property value by the differential rate in the dollar adopted for each separate land use category, i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, primary production, vacant land or other land use. As part of Council’s rating strategy a range of rate relief measures are available upon application.

105 RESIDENTIAL RATES COMPARISON FOR 2018/2019

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The Australian Classification of Local RATES OUTSTANDING Governments (ACLG) categorises councils AS AT JUNE 30 using the population, population density and the proportion of the population that is 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 classified as urban for the council. 2.32% 2.21% 2.47% 2.48% 2.69% All local governments who receive general purpose financial assistance grants via the Grants TOTAL RATEPAYERS REGISTERED Commission are classified according to ACLG TO RECEIVE RATES NOTICES categories. These categories are defined as: ELECTRONICALLY URS: Urban Regional Small 2018/2019 4,246 URM: Urban Regional Medium 2017/2018 3,009 UFS: Urban Fringe Small 2016/2017 940 The majority of other SA councils are classified in 'Rural' or 'Urban' large (metro) categories. 2015/2016 480

SA councils categorised as 'Urban' (regional or Total income from rates fringe) have been used in the table below for comparative purposes. $’000 Amount paid % paid electronically electronically In 2017/2018 the City of Mount Gambier $’000 residential rates per rateable property ($1,251) 2018/ $20,490 $17,941 87% was equivalent to 81.4% of the state average 2019 ($1,536) or 18.6% below the state average. 2017/ $19,608 $16,265 83% In the 2016/2017 financial year this figure was 2018 84.4% of the state average or 15.6% below the 2016/ $18,764 $13,560 72% state average. 2017

Council ACLG Population Total Rates as % Residential (ERP) 2018 rates of revenue rates/ residential property $’000 $ Alexandrina UFS 27,037 38,003 83 1,872 Barossa UFS 24,808 29,413 77 1,719 Gawler UFS 24,018 21,643 79 1,863 Mount Barker URM 35,545 37,051 80 1,942 Mount Gambier URS 27, 176 20,597 68 1,251 Murray Bridge URS 22,165 23,723 64 1,709 Port Augusta URS 14,102 18,847 51 1,754 Port Lincoln URS 14,626 14,063 69 1,615 Victor Harbor URS 15,248 20,791 79 1,919 Whyalla URS 21,766 19,905 64 1,474 State average 72 1,536

106 AUDITORS AND SELECTED GENERAL STATISTICS AUDIT COMMITTEE _ _

The City of Mount Gambier Annual Financial Area 3,388 ha Statements for 2018/2019 were audited by or 34 km² Galpins Accountants Auditors and Business Length of roads 228 km Consultants who were appointed as external Number of residential properties 12,379 auditors in August 2016 for a five year Population (2018) 27, 176 term pursuant to Section 128 of the Local Population density 8.02 Government Act 1999. (persons per hectare) Remuneration paid or payable during 2018/2019 Average household size (2016) 2.30 to the auditors for work performed for the annual Unemployment (March 2018) 6.7% audit of Council’s financial statements pursuant Capital value, all land (June 2019) $3,817 billion to Section 128 of the Act was $25,700. Gross Domestic Product (June 2018) $1.485 billion Council’s Audit Committee held four meetings in the 2018/2019 financial year, two of which were attended by the Galpins’ audit partner. Information regarding sitting fees for the Audit Committee can be found under ‘Members Allowances and Reimbursements’ in the Governance section of this report.

Customer Service statistics

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS PROCESSED AT THE CIVIC CENTRE

TRANSACTIONS AT THE REUSE MARKET

CALLS RECORDED THROUGH THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CALL CENTRE

107 SELECTED GENERAL STATISTICS

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Population The population and population growth of the City of Mount Gambier is shown in the following graph (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics - estimated resident population data).

City of Mount Gambier resident population Total population Total

25,004 25,222 25,402 25,712 25,773 26,131 26,398 26,677 26,892 27,061 27,03 5 27, 176

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Electors on the House of Assembly Role

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 18,345 18,874 19,408 19,270 19,292

108 PROJECTIONS AND TARGET FOR 2019/2020 FINANCIAL YEAR

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The Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2019/2020 includes $32.6million operating and $10.5million capital expenditure as well as $32.9million in revenue.

Cemeteries and crematorium 1% City growth and economic development 2% Waste management 15% City infrastructure Tourism and including roads, visitor services footpaths, 5% kerbing, carparks, drainage 24% Public amenities HOW IS THE including street BUDGET SPENT? lighting, street Community cleaning, public INCL. OPERATING services and toilets 4% EXPENDITURE OF assistance 1% $32.6M AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Regulatory and OF $10.5M development services 3% Governance and administration 17%

Parks, gardens and recreation facilities 16% Library, cultural and arts 12%

Capital including City infrastructure grant funding and including roads, Council administration including sale of plant and footpaths, drainage 1% interest and collection fees 1% equipment 2% Regulatory and Library, cultural development centres and arts services 1% 2%

Cemeteries Tourism and fees and HOW DOES visitor services charges 2% 1% COUNCIL Grants 10% GENERATE INCOME? Waste TOTAL REVENUE management = $32.9M 12%

Rates 68%

The core services include $3.1million for maintenance of parks, gardens and reserves, $1.5million for the footpath construction and maintenance program, $5.1million for roads and drainage, $2.5million for kerbside waste and recycling collection and disposal and $1.4million for public amenities and streetscaping. 109 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019

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Table of contents

Council Certificate 111 Principal Financial Statements Statement of Comprehensive Income 112 Statement of Financial Position 113 Statement of Changes in Equity 114 Statement of Cash Flows 115

Notes to, and forming part of, the Principal Financial Statements Note 1 Significant accounting policies 116 Note 2 Income 121 Note 3 Expenses 123 Note 4 Gain & (loss) on asset disposal 124 Note 5 Current assets 125 Note 6 Non-current assets 125 Note 7 Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment 126 Note 8 Liabilities 131 Note 9 Reserves 132 Note 10 Reconciliation to Cash Flow Statement 133 Note 11 Functions 134 Note 12 Financial instruments 136 Note 13 Financial indicators 139 Note 14 Uniform presentation of finances 140 Note 15 Operating leases 140 Note 16 Superannuation 141 Note 17 Contingencies and assets and liabilities not recognised 142 Note 18 Related party disclosure 143

Council Certificate of Audit Independence 144 Audit Report - Financial Statements 145 Audit Report - Internal Controls 147 Audit Certificate of Audit Independence 149

110 111 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019

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Notes 2019 2018 $'000 $'000 INCOME Rates 2 21,432 20,597 Statutory charges 2 426 447 User charges 2 5,021 4,483 Grants, subsidies and contributions 2 4,435 3,906 Investment income 2 86 62 Reimbursements 2 19 83 Other income 2 417 522 Total Income 31,836 30,101

EXPENSES Employee costs 3 11,800 11,033 Materials, contracts & other expenses 3 11,972 10,023 Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 3 7,424 7,461 Finance costs 3 203 250 Total Expenses 31,399 28,767

OPERATING SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) 437 1,334

Asset disposal & fair value adjustments 4 (594) (243) Amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets 2 105 445 Physical resources received free of charge 2 159 463 NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) transferred to Equity Statement 107 1,999

Other comprehensive income Amounts which will not be reclassified subsequently to operating result Changes in revaluation surplus - infrastructure, property, plant & 56 21,108 equipment Impairment (expense) / recoupments offset to asset revaluation reserve - (1,215) Total Other Comprehensive Income 56 19,893

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 163 21,891 This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

112 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2019 _

Notes 2019 2018 $'000 $'000 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 5 6,069 4,587 Trade & other receivables 5 1,867 1,524 Inventories 5 816 304 Total current assets 8,752 6,415

Non-current assets Infrastructure, property, plant & equipment 7 244,752 245,807 Total non-current assets 244,752 245,807 Total assets 253,504 252,222

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade & other payables 8 3,017 2,429 Borrowings 8 195 218 Provisions 8 2,338 2,332 Total current liabilities 5,550 4,979

Non-current liabilities Borrowings 8 2,377 2,572 Provisions 8 3,650 2,907 Total non-current Liabilities 6,027 5,479 Total liabilities 11,577 10,458 NET ASSETS 241,927 241,764

EQUITY Accumulated surplus 65,609 65,515 Asset revaluation reserves 9 175,458 175,402 Other reserves 9 860 847 TOTAL EQUITY 241,927 241,764 This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

113 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 _

Accumulated Asset Other Total surplus revaluation reserves equity reserve $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 2019 Balance at end of previous reporting 65,515 175,402 847 241,764 period Net surplus / (deficit) for the year 107 107 Other Comprehensive Income Gain on revaluation of infrastructure, 56 56 property, plant & equipment Transfers between reserves (13) 13 - Balance at end of period 65,609 175,458 860 241,927

2018 Balance at end of previous 61,333 155,509 3,030 219,872 reporting period Net surplus / (deficit) for the year 1,999 1,999 Other Comprehensive Income Gain on revaluation of infrastructure, 21,108 21,107 property, plant & equipment Impairment (expense) / (1,215) (1,215) recoupments offset to asset revaluation reserve Transfers between reserves 2,183 (2,183) - Balance at end of period 65,515 175,402 847 241,763 This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

114 STATEMENT CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts Rates - general & other 21,388 19,522 Fees & other charges 426 447 User charges 5,459 4,343 Investment receipts 86 62 Grants utilised for operating purposes 4,435 3,906 Reimbursements 21 61 Other revenues 446 597 Payments Employee costs (11,629) (11,715) Materials, contracts & other expenses (12,981) (9,816) Finance payments (161) (172) Net cash provided by (or used in) Operating Activities 7,490 7,235

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Receipts Amounts specifically for new or upgraded assets 105 445 Sale of replaced assets 359 146 Sale of surplus assets - 71 Repayments of loans by community groups 17 35 Payments Expenditure on renewal/replacement of assets (4,006) (4,053) Expenditure on new/upgraded assets (2,265) (2,114) Net cash provided by (or used in) Investing Activities (5,790) (5,470)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments Repayments of borrowings (218) (206) Net cash provided by (or used in) Financing Activities (218) (206) Net increase / (decrease) in cash held 1,482 1,559

Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 10 4,587 3,028 Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 10 6,069 4,587

115 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies _

The principal accounting policies adopted in the 2 The Local Government reporting entity preparation of the financial report are set out City of Mount Gambier is incorporated under below. These policies have been consistently the SA Local Government Act 1999 and has applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise its principal place of business at 10 Watson stated. Terrace, Mount Gambier. These financial 1 Basis of preparation statements include the Council’s direct Compliance with Australian Accounting operations and all entities through which Standards Council controls resources to carry on its functions. In the process of reporting on the This general purpose financial report has been Council as a single unit, all transactions and prepared on a going concern basis using the balances between activity areas and controlled historical cost convention in accordance with entities have been eliminated. Australian Accounting Standards as they apply to not-for-profit entities, other authoritative 3 Income recognition pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Income is measured at the fair value of the Standards Board, Interpretations and relevant consideration received or receivable. Income South Australian legislation. is recognised when the Council obtains control The financial report was authorised by Council over the assets comprising the income, for issue by certificate under regulation 14 of or when the amount due constitutes an the Local Government (Financial Management) enforceable debt, whichever first occurs. Regulations 2011 dated 17 September 2019. Where grants, contributions and donations Critical accounting estimates recognised as incomes during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that The preparation of financial statements they be expended in a particular manner in conformity with Australian Accounting or used over a particular period, and those Standards requires the use of certain conditions were undischarged as at the critical accounting estimates, and requires reporting date, the amounts subject to those management to exercise its judgement in undischarged conditions are disclosed in these applying Council’s accounting policies. The notes. Also disclosed is the amount of grants, areas involving a higher degree of judgement contributions and receivables recognised as or complexity, or areas where assumptions incomes in a previous reporting period which and estimates are significant to the financial were obtained in respect of the Council’s statements are specifically referred to in the operations for the current reporting period. relevant sections of these Notes. In recent years the payment of untied financial Rounding assistance grants has varied from the annual All amounts in the financial statements have allocation as shown in the table below: been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000). Cash Annual Revenue received/ allocation increase/ revenue (decrease) $’000 $’000 $’000 2017 $3,908 $2,580 $1,328 2018 $3,172 $3,018 $154 2019 $3,952 $3,303 $649

116 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued) _

Because these grants are untied, the statement of the accounting policies applied to Australian Accounting Standards require financial instruments forms part of note 12. that payments be recognised upon receipt. 5 Inventories Accordingly, the operating results of these Inventories held in respect of stores have been periods have been distorted compared to valued by using the weighted average cost on those that would have been reported had the a continual basis, after adjustment for loss of grants been paid in the year to which they were service potential. Inventories held in respect of allocated. business undertakings have been valued at the The operating surplus ratio disclosed in note lower of cost and net realisable value. 13 has also been calculated after adjusting for 6 Infrastructure, property, plant and the distortions resulting from the differences equipment (IPP&E) between the actual grants received and the grants entitlements allocated. Initial recognition The actual amounts of untied grants received All assets are initially recognised at cost. For during the reporting periods (including the assets acquired free of charge or at a nominal advance allocations) are disclosed in note 2. consideration, cost is determined as fair value at the date of recognition. Construction works undertaken by Council for third parties are generally on an agency All non-current assets purchased or basis where the third party reimburses Council constructed are capitalised as the expenditure for actual costs incurred, and usually do not is incurred and depreciated as soon as extend beyond the reporting period. As there the asset is held “ready for use”. Cost is is no profit component, such works are treated determined as the fair value of the assets as 100% completed. Reimbursements not given as consideration plus costs incidental received are recognised as receivables and to the acquisition, including architects’ fees reimbursements received in advance are and engineering design fees and all other recognised as “payments received in advance”. costs incurred. The cost of non-current assets constructed by the Council includes the cost 4 Cash, cash equivalents and other financial of all materials used in construction, direct instruments labour on the project and an appropriate Cash and cash equivalents include all amounts proportion of variable and fixed overhead. readily convertible to cash on hand at Council’s Materiality option with an insignificant risk of changes in value with a maturity of three months or less Assets with an economic life in excess of one from the date of acquisition. year are only capitalised where the cost of acquisition exceeds materiality thresholds Receivables for rates and annual charges established by Council for each type of asset. are secured over the subject land, and bear In determining (and in annually reviewing) interest at rates determined in accordance such thresholds, regard is had to the nature with the Local Government Act 1999. Other of the asset and its estimated service life. receivables are generally unsecured and do Examples of capitalisation thresholds not bear interest. applied during the year are given in note 7. All receivables are reviewed as at the reporting No capitalisation threshold is applied to the date and adequate allowance made for acquisition of land or interests in land or the amounts the receipt of which is considered Riddoch art collection. doubtful. All financial instruments are recognised at fair value at the date of recognition. A detailed

117 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued) _

Subsequent recognition for infrastructure assets have been estimated The revaluation model is applied for the asset based on the best information available to classes land, buildings and structures, waste Council, but appropriate records covering management, infrastructure and the Riddoch the entire life cycle of these assets are not art collection. The cost model is applied to the available, and extreme care should be used asset classes of plant and equipment, office in interpreting financial information based on equipment and other. these estimates. All revaluation model asset classes are Impairment revalued on a regular basis such that the Assets that have an indefinite useful life are carrying values are not materially different not subject to depreciation and are reviewed from fair value. The latest revaluations annually for impairment. Assets carried at occurred in 2018 for land (every second year), fair value whose future economic benefits are in 2016 for buildings and structures (every not dependent on the ability to generate cash fourth year), in 2018 for infrastructure (every flows, and where the future economic benefits third year), in 2019 for waste management would be replaced if Council were deprived (annually) and in 2018 for the Riddoch art thereof, are not assessed for impairment. collection (every fourth year). Other assets that are subject to depreciation For infrastructure and other asset classes are reviewed for impairment whenever events where no active market exists, fair value is or changes in circumstances indicate that the determined to be the current replacement carrying amount may not be recoverable. An cost of an asset less, where applicable, impairment loss is recognised for the amount accumulated depreciation calculated on by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds the basis of such cost to reflect the already its recoverable amount (which is the higher of consumed or expired future economic benefits the present value of future cash outflows or of the asset. Significant uncertainties exist value in use). in the estimation of fair value of a number of Where an asset that has been revalued is asset classes including land, buildings and subsequently impaired, the impairment is other structures and infrastructure. Further first offset against such amount as stands detail of existing valuations, methods and to the credit of that class of assets in Asset valuers is provided in note 7. Revaluation Reserve, any excess being Depreciation of non-current assets recognised as an expense. Other than land and waste management 7 Payables assets, all infrastructure, property, plant Goods and services and equipment assets recognised are systematically depreciated over their Creditors are amounts due to external parties useful lives on a straight-line basis, which for the supply of goods and services and are in the opinion of Council, best reflects recognised as liabilities when the goods and the consumption of the service potential services are received. Creditors are normally embodied in those assets. Waste management paid 30 days after the month of invoice. No assets are depreciated on an asset capacity in interest is payable on these amounts. use basis. Payments received in advance and deposits Depreciation methods, useful lives and Amounts (with the exception of some grants) residual values of classes of assets are received from external parties in advance of reviewed annually. service delivery, and security deposits held Major depreciation periods for each class of against possible damage to Council assets, asset are shown in note 7. Depreciation periods are recognised as liabilities until the service is

118 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued) _

delivered or damage reinstated, or the amount Superannuation is refunded as the case may be. The Council makes employer superannuation 8 Borrowings contributions in respect of its employees Borrowings are initially recognised at fair to the superannuation fund selected by the value, net of transaction costs incurred and employee. The default superannuation fund are subsequently measured at amortised cost. is Statewide Super. The fund has two types Any difference between the proceeds (net of of membership, each of which is funded transaction costs) and the redemption amount differently. No changes in accounting policy is recognised in the income statement over the have occurred during either the current or period of the borrowings using the effective previous reporting periods. Details of the interest method. accounting policies applied and Council’s involvement with the schemes are reported in 9 Provisions note 16. Employee benefit provisions Provisions for reinstatement, restoration, Salaries, wages & compensated absences rehabilitation, etc. Liabilities for employees’ entitlements to Council operates the Caroline landfill site, salaries, wages and compensated absences incorporating cells which require capping expected to be paid or settled within 12 upon complete fill. Capping and restoration months of reporting date are accrued at costs can include the dismantling and nominal amounts (including payroll based demolition of infrastructure, the removal of oncosts) measured in accordance with AASB residual materials and the remediation and 119. rehabilitation of disturbed areas. Estimated Liabilities for employee benefits not expected close capping and restoration costs are to be paid or settled within 12 months provided for in the accounting period when the are measured as the present value of the obligation arising from the related disturbance estimated future cash outflows (including occurs, and are carried at the net present payroll based oncosts) to be made in respect value of estimated future costs. of services provided by employees up to the Although estimated future costs are based on reporting date. Present values are calculated a closure plan, such plans are based on current using government guaranteed securities rates environmental requirements and construction with similar maturity terms (1.94% in 2019 costs estimates which may change and and 2018). require management to exercise judgement. No accrual is made for non-vesting sick leave Significant uncertainty exists in the estimation as Council experience indicates that, on of the future closure date. average, sick leave taken in each reporting 10 GST implications period is less than the entitlement accruing in In accordance with UIG Abstract 1031 that period, and this experience is expected to Accounting for the Goods and Services Tax recur in future reporting periods. Council does • receivables and creditors include GST not make payment for untaken non-vesting receivable and payable; sick leave. • except in relation to input taxed activities, An accrual is made for vesting sick leave revenues and operating expenditures and Council does make payment for vesting exclude GST receivable and payable; sick leave in accordance with the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for AWU employees. • non-current assets and capital expenditures include GST net of any recoupment, and; • amounts included in the Statement of Cash Flows are disclosed on a gross basis. 119 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 1 - Significant accounting policies (continued) _

11 Comparative information 12 New accounting standards Council has corrected a material prior period AASB 7 Financial instruments – Disclosures error retrospectively in these Statements and AASB 9 Financial Instruments commence in the comparative information. The error from 1 July 2018 and have the effect that non- relates to waste management assets in general contractual receivables (e.g. rates & charges) and the Caroline landfill in particular. In the are now treated as financial instruments. comparative financial year the provided-for Although the disclosures made in note 12 cost of capping for part of a cell was included Financial instruments have changed, there are in the prior year asset value and the future no changes to the amounts disclosed. reinstatement / restoration provision, while AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with the cost of construction of that same part Customers and AASB 1058 Income of Not- was not included in the asset value and the for-Profit Entities, which will commence depreciation (capacity in use) was based on from 1 July 2019, affect the timing with the entire cell capacity rather than the part cell which revenues, particularly special purpose completed. grants, are recognised. Amounts received in Under AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes relation to contracts with sufficiently specific in Accounting Estimates and Errors the performance obligations will in future only be following changes have been made to the recognised as these obligations are fulfilled. comparatives in the statement of financial AASB 16 Leases, which will commence from position and the statement of comprehensive 1 July 2019, requires that the right of use income: conveyed by lease contracts – except leases with a maximum term of 12 months and leases $’000 of non-material amounts – be recognised Statement of financial position as a form of Infrastructure, property, plant Provision decrease $714 and equipment, and that the lease liability be IPP&E - Waste management decrease $700 disclosed as a liability. IPP&E cumulative depreciation increase $457 As a result of the new accounting policy, the – Waste management following changes will be made to balance Statement of comprehensive income sheet amounts as at 1 July 2019: Depreciation – Waste increase $457 management Asset $’000 Unwinding of NPV discounts increase $14 IPP&E Right-of-use asset increase $340 Lease liability increase $333 Accumulated surplus increase $7

The effect on profit and loss in future years will be non-material.

120 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 2 - Income _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 RATES REVENUES General rates 20,434 19,593 Less: Mandatory rebates (211) (221) Less: Discretionary rebates, remissions & write offs (29) - Total general rates 20,194 19,372

Other rates (including service charges) Natural Resource Management levy 1,087 1,079

Other charges Penalties for late payment 79 79 Legal & other costs recovered 72 67

Total rates revenue 21,432 20,597

STATUTORY CHARGES Development Act fees 77 95 Town planning fees 126 110 Health & septic tank inspection fees 1 21 Animal registration fees & fines 157 143 Parking fines / expiation fees 16 18 Other licences, fees & fines 49 60 Total statutory charges 426 447

USER CHARGES Cemetery/crematoria fees 764 795 Green waste collection 495 472 Landfill charges 2,824 2,112 Hall & equipment hire 346 279 Recycling - 132 Sales - general 158 441 Sales - Waste Transfer Station 220 - Bus ticketing 214 242 Sales - sundry - 11 Total user charges 5,021 4,484

INVESTMENT INCOME Interest on investments Local Government Finance Authority 84 49 Banks & other 2 13 Total investment income 86 62

REIMBURSEMENTS Reimbursements - roadworks - 14 Reimbursements - private works 12 63 Reimbursements - other 7 6 Total reimbursements 19 83

121 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 2 - Income (continued) _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 OTHER INCOME Insurance & other recoupments (infrastructure, property, plant & equipment) 149 148 Donations 56 57 Other income - sundry 212 317 Total other income 417 522

GRANTS, SUBSIDIES, CONTRIBUTIONS Amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets 105 445 Other grants, subsidies and contributions Untied - Financial Assistance Grant 3,952 3,172 Roads to Recovery 171 564 Library & communications 181 148 Grants, subs, contributions - sundry 131 22 Subtotal - other grants, subsidies and contributions 4,435 3,906 Total grants, subsidies, contributions 4,540 4,351

Sources of grants Commonwealth government 190 564 State government 4,309 3,787 Other 41 0 4,540 4,351 The functions to which these grants relate are shown in Note 11.

Conditions over grants & contributions Grants and contributions which were obtained on the condition that they be expended for specified purposes or in a future period, but which are not yet expended in accordance with those conditions, are as follows: Unexpended at the close of the previous reporting period 250 130 Less: expended during the current period from revenues recognised in previous reporting periods Bicycle Funding Program (152) (40) Salvage Yard (90) Subtotal (152) (130) Plus: amounts recognised as revenues in this reporting period but not yet expended in accordance with the conditions Rail Trail - Stage 3 - 250 Subtotal - 250 Unexpended at the close of this reporting period 98 250

Net increase / (decrease) in assets subject to conditions in the current (152) 120 reporting period

PHYSICAL RESOURCES RECEIVED FREE OF CHARGE Land - free of charge 6 188 Footpaths & kerbing - free of charge 34 - Roads - free of charge 44 269 Riddoch collection - free of charge 75 6 Total physical resources received free of charge 159 463 122 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 3 - Expenses _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 EMPLOYEE COSTS Salaries and wages 9,331 8,785 Employee leave expense 1,103 944 Superannuation 1,072 997 Workers' compensation insurance 269 262 Operating employee costs - other 25 45 Total operating employee costs 11,800 11,033

Total number of employees expressed in full time equivalents 127 125

MATERIALS, CONTRACTS & OTHER EXPENSES Prescribed expenses Auditor’s remuneration Auditing the financial reports 26 33 Bad and doubtful debts 11 23 Elected members' expenses 234 459 Election expenses 119 14 Subtotal - Prescribed expenses 390 529

Other materials, contracts & expenses Contractors 2,379 1,890 Repairs & maintenance 1,162 575 Contributions / donations 851 581 Energy 877 835 Insurance 276 282 Levies paid to government - EPA, ESL & dog levies 1,292 1,114 NRM levy expense 1,087 1,079 Materials 981 721 Training 196 193 Water 185 132 Communication 272 281 Consultants 706 513 Licences and subscriptions 605 587 Sundry expenses 715 708 Subtotal - Other materials, contracts & expenses 11,584 9,494 11,972 10,023

123 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 3 - Expenses (continued) _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION & IMPAIRMENT Depreciation Depr buildings & other structures 2,346 2,363 Depr waste management 902 1,078

Infrastructure Depr stormwater drainage 102 99 Depr bridges 2 3 Depr footpaths & kerbing 1,073 702 Depr roads 1,700 1,826 Depr carparks 256 249

Depr plant & equipment 596 701 Depr office equipment 148 158 Depr Riddoch collection - - Depr other 299 280

Impairment of derecognised assets - 1,215 7,424 8,678

Less: Impairment expense offset to asset revaluation reserve 9 - (1,215) 7,424 7,461

FINANCE COSTS Interest on loans 161 172 Unwinding of present value discounts 42 64 203 236

Note 4 - Gain / (loss) on asset disposal

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Assets renewed or directly replaced Proceeds from disposal 359 146 Less: Carrying amount of assets sold (324) 100 Gain / (loss) on disposal 35 45

Asset surplus to requirements Proceeds from disposal - 71 Less: Carrying amount of assets sold - 85 Gain / (loss) on disposal - (14)

FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS Impairment of disposed assets (629) (275) Total fair value adjustments (629) (275) Net gain/(loss) on disposal or revaluation of assets (594) (243)

124 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 5 - Current assets _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash on hand and at bank 515 327 Deposits at call 4,788 3,522 Short term deposits & bills, etc 766 738 6,069 4,587

TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES Rates - general & other 742 430 Interest receivable 4 11 Debtors - general 1,045 883 GST recoupment - 155 Prepayments 112 53 Loans to community organisations 18 35 Total 1,921 1,567

Less: Allowance for doubtful debts 54 43 1,867 1,524 Amounts included in receivables that are not expected to be received within 12 months of reporting date.

INVENTORIES Stores & materials 18 20 Trading stock 9 10 Work in progress 789 274 816 304

Note 6 - Non-current assets

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 FINANCIAL ASSETS Loans to community organisations - - Total financial assets - -

125 Note 7-Infrastructure, property, plantandequipment FOR THEYEARENDED30JUNE2019 NOTES TOANDFORMNGPARTOFTHEFINANCIALSTATEMENTS 126 _ 2018 2019 $’000 $’000 Fair At fair At cost Accumulated Carrying At fair At cost Accumulated Carrying value value depreciation amount value depreciation amount level Land 2 10,063 - - 10,063 10,063 - - 10,063 Land 3 41,590 361 - 41,951 41,590 367 - 41,957 Buildings & other structures 2 1,009 9 - 1,018 976 9 (81) 904 Buildings & other structures 3 96,041 2,227 (33,793) 64,475 96,074 2,860 (36,058) 62,876 Waste Management 3 7,678 498 (6,525) 1,651 7,734 2,084 (7,428) 2,390 Infrastructure Stormwater drainage 3 7,185 - (1,986) 5,199 7,185 68 (2,088) 5,165 Bridges 3 164 - (73) 91 - - - - Footpaths & kerbing 3 70,928 - (16,556) 54,372 70,653 1,327 (17,581) 54,399 Roads 3 63,332 - (15,194) 48,138 62,922 1,709 (16,783) 47,848 Carparks 3 10,230 - (2,092) 8,138 10,230 206 (2,348) 8,088 Plant & equipment (118) 7,743 (2,492) 5,133 - 8,154 (2,666) 5,488 Office equipment - 2,060 (1,648) 412 - 1,668 (1,216) 452 Riddoch collection 3 3,434 - - 3,434 3,509 - - 3,509

Other - 3,232 (1,500) 1,732 - 3,412 (1,799) 1,613 Total infrastructure, property, 311,536 16,130 (81,859) 245,807 310,936 21,864 (88,048) 244,752 plant & equipment Comparatives 281,610 19,982 (73,335) 228,257 311,536 16,130 (81,859) 245,807

Note 7-Infrastructure, property, plantandequipment(continued) FOR THEYEARENDED30JUNE2019 NOTES TOANDFORMNGPARTOFTHEFINANCIALSTATEMENTS _ 2018 Carrying amount movements during year 2019 $’000 $’000 $’000 Carrying Additions Disposals Depreciation Impairment Transfers Net Carrying amount revaluation amount New/ Renewals In Out upgrade Land - Level 2 10,063 ------10,063 Land - Level 3 41,951 6 ------41,957 Buildings & other 1,018 - - - (24) - - (90) - 904 structures - Level 2 Buildings & other 64,475 288 345 - (2,322) - 90 - - 62,876 structures - Level 3 Waste Management 1,651 1,585 - - (902) - - - 56 2,390 Infrastructure Stormwater drainage 5,199 - 68 - (102) - - - - 5,165 Bridges 91 - - (89) (2) - - - - - Footpaths & kerbing 54,372 638 690 (228) (1,073) - - - - 54,399 Roads 48,138 74 1,635 (299) (1,700) - - - - 47,848 Carparks 8,138 206 - - (256) - - - - 8,088 Plant & equipment 5,133 219 1,056 (324) (596) - - - - 5,488 Office equipment 412 87 101 - (148) - - - - 452 Riddoch collection 3,434 75 ------3,509 Other 1,732 63 130 (13) (299) - - - - 1,613

245,807 3,241 4,025 (953) (7,424) - 90 (90) 56 244,752 Comparatives 228,257 1,415 4,162 (459) (7,461) (1,215) 21,290 (21,290) 21,108 245,807

127 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 7 - Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment (continued) _

Valuation of Assets Fair value hierarchy level 3 valuations of land General Valuation Principles Valuations of Crown land, community land and land subject to other restrictions on use or Accounting procedure: disposal, shown above as being based on fair Upon revaluation, the current new replacement value hierarchy level 3 valuation inputs, are based cost and accumulated depreciation are re-stated on prices for similar assets in an active market, such that the difference represents the fair value but include adjustments for specific advantages of the asset determined in accordance with or disadvantages attaching to the particular asset AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement: accumulated that are not directly or indirectly observable in depreciation is taken to be the difference between that market, or the number and / or amount of current new replacement cost and fair value. In observable adjustments of which are so great that the case of land, revaluations and additions are the valuation is more fairly described as being recorded per the Valuer General’s valuation. based on level 3 valuation inputs. Highest and best use: Fair value hierarchy level 3 valuations of buildings, For land which Council has an unfettered right infrastructure and other assets to sell, the “highest and best use” recognises There is no known market for these assets the possibility of the demolition or substantial and they are valued at depreciated current modification of some or all of the existing replacement cost. This method involves: buildings and structures affixed to the land. • The determination of the cost to construct the Much of the land under Council’s care and asset (or its modern engineering equivalent) control is Crown land or has been declared as using current prices for materials and labour, community land under the provisions of the Local the quantities of each being estimated Government Act 1999. Other types of restrictions based on recent experience of this or similar also exist. Councils, or on industry construction guides For land subject to these restrictions, the highest where these are more appropriate. and best use is taken to be the “highest and • The calculation of the depreciation that would best use” available to Council, with a rebuttable have accumulated since original construction presumption that the current use is the “highest using current estimates of residual value and and best use”. The reason for the current use useful life under the prime cost depreciation of a large proportion of Council’s assets being method adopted by Council. other than the “highest and best use” relates to This method has significant inherent Council’s principal role as the provider of services uncertainties, relying on estimates of quantities to the community, rather than the use of those of materials and labour, residual values and assets for the generation of revenue. useful lives, and the possibility of changes in For buildings and other structures on and in the prices for materials and labour, and the potential land, including infrastructure, “highest and best for development of more efficient construction use” is determined in accordance with the land on techniques. and in which they are situated. Fair value hierarchy level 2 valuations Certain land, and the buildings and structures thereon, are shown above as being based on fair value hierarchy level 2 valuation inputs. They are based on prices for similar assets in an active market, with directly or indirectly observable adjustments for specific advantages or disadvantages attaching to the particular asset.

128 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 7 - Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment (continued) _

Valuation of Assets (continued) Land indefinite Capitalisation thresholds used by Council for a Building & other structures representative range of assets are shown below. No capitalisation threshold is applied to the Buildings - structure 60 to 100 years acquisition of land or interests in land or Riddoch Buildings - roofing 40 to 50 years art collection. Buildings - services 40 to 60 years Office furniture & equipment $1,000 Buildings - fit-out 15 to 25 years Other plant & equipment $1,000 Park shelters & other structures 20 to 30 years Buildings - new construction/extensions $5,000 Playground equipment 20 to 30 years Park & playground furniture & equipment $1,000 Benches, seats, etc. 10 to 30 years Road construction & reconstruction $5,000 Waste management Paving & footpaths, kerb & gutter $5,000 Landfill assets capacity in use Stormwater & drainage $5,000 Infrastructure Waste management $5,000 Sealed roads - seal 12 to 40 years Sealed roads - pavements 30 to 75 years These thresholds are indicative only and where an asset is material by its nature rather than Sealed roads - sub pavements 120 to 150 years value, the capitalisation threshold may be a lesser Unsealed roads 10 to 20 years amount. Bridges 50 years Estimated useful lives Footpaths 10 to 70 years Useful lives are estimated for each individual Kerbing & channels 40 to 70 years asset. In estimating useful lives, regard is given to technical and commercial obsolescence, as Stormwater drainage 70 years well as legal and other limitations on continued Plant & equipment use. The range of useful lives for a representative Staff vehicles 2 years range of assets is shown below, although individual assets may have an estimated total Trucks 5 to 25 years useful life of greater or lesser amount. The useful Rollers, loaders, graders 10 to 25 years life represents Council’s expected availability & tractors for use and is in line with Council’s planned replacement schedules. Sundry plant 2 to 15 years Office equipment IT hardware & equipment 3 to 10 years Software 3 to 7 years Other assets Library books 10 to 15 years Artworks indefinite

129 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 7 - Infrastructure, property, plant and equipment (continued) _

Land Waste management - landfill Council has formed the opinion that it is not Landfill remediation and cell development assets possible to reliably measure the fair value of land are amortised on a consumption basis over the under roads and therefore does not recognise individual landfill cell’s capacity to receive waste. land under roads. Land acquired for road At the time of construction of a cell, Council purposes during the year is initially recognised includes the present value of estimated costs at cost, but transferred to fair value at reporting to cap and close the cell into the landfill cell. date, effectively writing off the expenditure. This estimate is offset by the recognition of a provision. This recognition of the capping costs Freehold land and land over which Council has is amortised in line with the consumption of the control, but does not have title, is recognised landfill cell’s capacity used in any one year. on the cost basis. No capitalisation threshold is applied to the acquisition of land or interests in Revaluation of the landfill occurs annually. land. Plant and equipment and office equipment Land is revalued every second year (lastly in These assets are recognised at historical cost and 2018) based on Valuer General’s valuations depreciated over its expected useful life. provided to Council. Riddoch art collection Buildings and other structures The Riddoch art collection was revalued as Buildings and other structures were revalued at 30 June 2018 by Simon Storey Art and as at 1 July 2016 by Richard Wood, AAPI CPV, of Cultural Collection Valuers. These assets are not Opteon Property Group. Revaluations occur every depreciated and are revalued every four years. four years. All additions are initially recorded at cost, which values are assumed to be a Other assets reasonable approximation of the fair values and These assets, including land improvements and classified at fair value. library books, are recognised at historical cost. Infrastructure Library books and other lending materials are capitalised in bulk each year and written off when Infrastructure assets includes stormwater fully depreciated. drainage, bridges, footpath and kerbing, roads and carpark assets. Infrastructure assets were valued by Council officers at depreciated current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June 2018, based on actual costs incurred during the reporting periods ended 30 June 2018. Revaluation occurs every three years. All additions are initially recorded at cost, which values are assumed to be a reasonable approximation of the fair values and classified at fair value.

130 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 8 - Liabilities _

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES Goods & services 1,974 1,521 Payments received in advance 410 153 Accrued expenses - employee entitlements 491 361 Accrued expenses - other 86 247 Deposits, retentions & bonds 55 88 Other payables 1 61 Total trade & other payables 3,017 2,429

BORROWINGS Current Loans current 195 218 Total borrowings current 195 218

BORROWINGS Non-current Loans non-current 2,377 2,572 Total borrowings non-current 2,377 2,572 All interest bearing liabilities are secured over the future revenues of the Council.

PROVISIONS Current Employee entitlements (including oncosts) 2,338 2,332 Future reinstatement / restoration, etc. - - Total provisions current 2,338 2,332

PROVISIONS Non-current Employee entitlements (including oncosts) 162 161 Future reinstatement / restoration, etc. 3,488 2,746 Total provisions non-current 3,650 2,907

131 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 9 - Reserves _

Asset Revaluation Reserve Opening Net increments Transfers, Closing (decrements) impairments $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land 41,311 - - 41,311 Buildings & structures 56,391 - - 56,391 Infrastructure 69,003 - - 69,003 Waste management 2,908 56 - 2,964 Plant & equipment 770 - - 770 Minor plant 34 - - 34 Other assets 4,985 - - 4,985 TOTAL 175,402 56 - 175,458 Comparatives 30 June 2017 155,509 21,108 (1,215) 175,402

Other Reserves Opening Transfers Transfers Closing to reserve from reserve $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Mount Gambier Cemetery 710 - 1 711 Mayor Christmas Appeal 38 8 - 46 Christmas Parade 13 (4) (1) 8 Junior Sports Assistance Fund 86 9 - 95 Total 847 13 - 860 Comparatives 30 June 2017 3,030 74 (2,257) 847

Purpose of reserves Mayor Christmas Appeal Asset Revaluation Reserve The Mayor Christmas Appeal reserve represents bank funds and payables of the City of Mount The asset revaluation reserve is used to record Gambier related to the Mayor Christmas Appeal increments and decrements arising from and to be used for that purpose. changes in fair value of non-current assets (less any subsequent impairment losses, where Christmas Parade applicable). The Christmas Parade reserve represents bank Other Reserves funds and payables of the City of Mount Gambier related to the Christmas Parade and to be used Other reserves are used when reserves are for that purpose. maintained for the purpose of specific Council committees or for committed funds of Council. Junior Sports Assistance Fund Mount Gambier Cemetery The Junior Sports Assistance Fund reserve represents bank funds and payables of the City The Mount Gambier cemetery reserve of Mount Gambier related to the Junior Sporting represents funds that have been separated for Assistance Fund and to be used for that purpose. any development works or projects that may be required at the Carinya Gardens Cemetery and crematorium.

132 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 10 - Reconciliation of Cash Flow Statement _

(a) Reconciliation of cash Cash assets comprise highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity subject to insignificant risk of changes of value. Cash at the end of the reporting period as shown in the Cash Flow Statement is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:

Notes 2019 2018 $’000 $’000 Total cash & equivalent assets 5 6,069 4,587 Less: Short-term borrowings 8 - - Balances per Cash Flow Statement 6,069 4,587

(b) Reconciliation of change in Net assets to Cash flows from operating activities Net surplus / (deficit) 107 1,999 Non-cash items in Income Statement Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 3 7,424 7,461 Net increase / (decrease) in unpaid employee benefits 137 42 Premiums & discounts recognised & unwound 3 42 78 Non-cash asset acquisitions 2 (159) (463) Grants for capital acquisitions treated as Investing Activity 2 (105) (445) Net (gain) / loss on disposals 4 594 243 8,040 8,915 Add / (less): Changes in net current assets Net (increase) / decrease in receivables (360) (170) Net (increase) / decrease in inventories (512) (272) Net (increase) / decrease in other current assets - - Net increase / (decrease) in trade & other payables 309 (589) Net increase / (decrease) in other provisions - - Net increase / (decrease) in other reserves 13 (649) Net increase / (decrease) in other liabilities - - Net cash provided by (or used in) operations 7,491 7,234

(c) Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities Acquisition of assets by means of: Physical resources received free of charge 2 159 463

(d) Financing arrangements Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit: Bank overdrafts 250 250 Corporate credit cards 30 25 LGFA Cash Advance Debenture facility 10,000 10,000

The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the bank without notice.

133 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 11 - Functions _ - - - 21 769 2018 6,901 6,901 8,854 $’000 57,347 57,347 75,561 75,561 102,769 102,769 252,222

- - 59 389 389 Total assets held assets Total 2019 9,121 9,121 8,747 1,585 1,585 $’000 75,997 75,997 52,248 52,248 105,358 105,358 253,504 253,504 (Current & non-current) (Current - - - - 3 9 10 148 564 2018 3,172 3,172 3,906 3,906 $’000 in income

- - - - 2 17 67 171 Grants included Grants 226 226 2019 3,952 3,952 $’000 4,435 4,435 281 2018 1,334 (804) $’000 21,279 21,279 (1,319) (1,164) (1,733) (2,436) (6,529) (3,036) (3,205)

89 Operating 437 437 2019 (767) (796) $’000 surplus (deficit) (1,156) (7,495) 22,846 22,846 (2,140) (3,523) (3,536) (3,085) 314 314 2018 3,151 3,151 1,164 1,164 3,014 3,014 6,199 6,199 1,202 1,202 2,037 2,037 2,489 2,489 2,203 2,203 6,994 6,994 $’000 28,767 28,767

Expenses 796 246 246 2019 1,153 7,090 7,090 3,270 3,270 1,940 2,554 $’000 8,236 8,236 3,664 3,664 2,450 2,450 31,399 - 115 578 595 595 465 465 884 398 304 2018 2,994 $’000 30,101 30,101 23,768 23,768

Incomes, expenses and assets have been directly attributed to the following functions & activities the following to attributed been directly have and assets expenses Incomes, - Income 741 741 185 185 128 310 310 784 784 335 386 2019 3,567 3,567 $’000 31,836 31,836 25,400 25,400 Administration / Support Administration Services Community Support Community Culture Economic development Economic Environment Recreation Regulatory services Regulatory Transport Engineering / Indirect Engineering Unclassified activities Unclassified TOTALS Revenues and expenses exclude net gain / (loss) on disposal or revaluation of assets, amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets and assets or upgraded for new specifically received amounts assets, of or revaluation on disposal / (loss) net gain exclude and expenses Revenues charge. of free received resources physical

134 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 11 - Functions (continued) _

Components of functions Recreation The activities relating to Council functions are as Parks and gardens, sports facilities – indoor, follows: sports facilities – outdoor, swimming centres – Outdoor, and other recreation. Business undertakings Regulatory services Private Works and Landfill Facility. Dog and cat control, building control, town Community support planning, clean air/pollution control, litter control, Public order and safety, crime prevention, health inspection, parking control, and other emergency services, other fire protection, other regulatory services. public order and safety, health services, pest Transport control – health, immunisation, preventive health services, other health services, community Bridges, footpaths and kerbing, roads – sealed, support, senior citizens facilities, children and roads – formed, roads – natural formed, roads youth services, community assistance, other – unformed, traffic management and other community support, community amenities, transport. bus shelters, cemeteries / crematoria, public Unclassified activities conveniences, car parking – non-fee-paying and other community amenities. Finance charges and investment revenue, private works and sundry property maintenance. Culture Library services, other library services, cultural services, cultural venues, heritage, museums and art galleries and other cultural services. Economic development Regional development, tourism, visitor information and other economic development. Environment Animal/plant boards, waste management, domestic waste, green waste, recycling, transfer station, other waste management, other environment, stormwater and drainage, street cleaning, street lighting, street-scaping, Natural Resource Management levy, and other environment.

135 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 12 - Financial instruments _

All financial instruments are categorised as loans Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after and receivables. deduction of any allowance). Accounting policies - Recognised financial Receivables - other levels of government instruments Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal value. Bank, deposits at call, short term deposits Terms and conditions: Amounts due have been Accounting Policy: Carried at lower of cost and calculated in accordance with the terms and net realiseable value; Interest is recognised when conditions of the respective programs following earned. advice of approvals, and do not bear interest. All Terms and conditions: Deposits are returning amounts are due by departments and agencies of fixed interest rates between 1.25% and 1.95% state and federal governments. (2018: 1.5% and 2.15%). Short term deposits Carrying amount: approximates fair value. have an average maturity of 1 day and an average Liabilities - Creditors and accruals interest rate of 1.25% (2018: 1 day, 1.50%). Accounting policy: Liabilities are recognised for Carrying amount: approximates fair value due to amounts to be paid in the future for goods and the short term to maturity. services received, whether or not billed to the Receivables - Rates and associated charges Council. (including legals and penalties for late payment) Terms and conditions: Liabilities are normally Accounting policy: Carried at nominal values less settled on 30 day terms or in line with the specific any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance terms and conditions of the supplier. for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed Carrying amount: approximates fair value. annually) when collection in full is no longer probable. Liabilities - Interest Bearing Borrowings Terms and conditions: Secured over the subject Accounting policy: Carried at the principal land, arrears attract interest of 6.35% (2018: amounts. Interest is charged as an expense as it 5.5%). Although Council is not materially exposed accrues. to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is Terms and conditions: secured over future concentrated within the Council’s boundaries in revenues, borrowings are repayable in two the State. repayments per year with fixed terms of 15 years Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after (2018: 10 and 15 years); interest is charged at a deduction of any allowance). fixed rate of 5.97% (2018: between 5.05% and 5.97%). Receivables - Fees and other charges Carrying amount: approximates fair value. Accounting policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance Liabilities - Finance leases for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed Accounting policy: accounted for in accordance annually) when collection in full is no longer with AASB 117. probable. Terms and conditions: Unsecured, and do not bear interest. However, certain charges can be secured to a property where legistlative criteria is met. Although Council is not materially exposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is concentrated within the Council boundaries and Council properties immediately surrounding Council boundaries.

136 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 12 - Financial instruments (continued) _

Liquidity analysis Due Due Due Total Carrying < 1 year > 1 year; > 5 years contractual values ≤ 5 years cash flows $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 2019 Financial assets Cash & equivalents 6,069 - - 6,069 6,069 Receivables 1,045 - - 1,045 1,045 Other financial assets 18 - - 18 18 Total 7,132 - - 7,132 7,132

Financial liabilities Payables 3,017 - - 3,017 3,017 Current borrowings 195 - - 195 195 Non-current borrowings - 2,377 - 2,377 2,377 Total 3,212 2,377 - 5,589 5,589

2018 Financial assets Cash & equivalents 4,587 - - 4,587 4,587 Receivables 883 - - 883 883 Other financial assets 35 - - 35 35 Total 5,505 - - 5,505 5,505

Financial liabilities Payables 2,429 - - 2,429 2,429 Current borrowings 218 - - 218 218 Non-current borrowings - 852 1,720 2,572 2,572 Total 2,647 852 1,720 5,219 5,219

The following interest rates were applicable to Council's borrowings at balance date:

30 June 2019 30 June 2018 Weighted average Carrying Weighted average Carrying interest rate value interest rate value % $’000 % $’000 Fixed interest rates 5.97% 2,572 5.96% 2,790 2,572 2,790

137 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 12 - Financial instruments (continued) _

Net fair value Liquidity risk is the risk that Council will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations with All carrying values approximate fair value for all financial liabilities. In accordance with the model recognised financial instruments. There is no Treasury Management Policy (LGA Information recognised market for the financial assets of the Paper 15), liabilities have a range of maturity Council. dates. Council also has available a range of bank Risk exposures overdraft and standby borrowing facilities that it Credit risk represents the loss that would be can access. recognised if counterparties fail to perform Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows as contracted. The maximum credit risk on will fluctuate because of changes in market financial assets of the Council is the carrying interest rates. Council has a balance of both amount, net of any allowance for doubtful debts. fixed and variable interest rate borrowings and All Council investments are made with the SA investments. Cash flow fluctuations are managed Local Government Finance Authority and are holistically in seeking to minimise interest costs guaranteed by the SA Government. Except as over the longer term in a risk averse manner. detailed in notes 5 and 6 in relation to individual classes of receivables, exposure is concentrated within the Council’s boundaries, and there is no material exposure to any individual debtor. Market risk is the risk that fair values of financial assets will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices. All of Council’s financial assets are denominated in Australian dollars and are not traded on any market, and hence neither market risk nor currency risk apply.

138 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 13 - Financial indicators _

These financial indicators have been calculated in accordance with Information Paper 9 - Local Government Financial Indicators prepared as part of the LGA Financial Sustainability Program for the Local Government Association of South Australia. Detailed methods of calculation are set out in the SA Model Statements.

2019 2018 2017 Operating surplus ratio Operating surplus 1.4% 6.0% 6.0% Total operating revenue

This ratio expresses the operating surplus as a percentage of total operating revenue.

Net financial liabilities ratio Net financial liabilities 11% 17% 28% Total operating revenue

Net financial liabilities are defined as total liabilities less financial assets. These are expressed as a percentage of total operating revenue.

Adjustments to ratios In recent years the Federal Government has made advance payments prior to 30th June from future year allocations of financial assistance grants, as explained in Note 1. The adjusted operating surplus ratio adjusts for the resulting distortion in the disclosed operating result for each year. Adjusted operating surplus ratio (0.7%) 5.5% 2.0%

Adjusted financial liabilities ratio 10% 17% 28%

Asset renewal funding ratio Net asset renewals Infrastructure & Asset Management 68% 72% 62% Plan required expenditure

Net asset renewals expenditure is defined as net capital expenditure on the renewal and replacement of existing assets, and excludes new capital expenditure on the acquisition of additional assets.

139 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 14 - Uniform presentation of finances _

The following is a high level summary of both operating and capital investment activities of the Council prepared on a simplified Uniform Presentation Framework basis. All Councils in South Australia have agreed to summarise annual budgets and long-term financial plans on the same basis. The arrangements ensure that all Councils provide a common ‘core’ of financial information, which enables meaningful comparisons of each Council’s finances.

2019 2018 $’000 $’000 Income 31,836 30,101 Expenses (31,399) (28,767) Operating surplus / (deficit) 437 1,334

Net outlays on existing assets Capital expenditure on renewal and replacement of existing assets 5,346 4,053 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (7,424) (7,461) Proceeds from sale of replaced assets (359) (146) (2,437) (3,554) Net outlays on new and upgraded assets Capital expenditure on new and upgraded assets 566 2,246 (including investment property & real estate developments) Amounts received specifically for new and upgraded assets (105) (445) Proceeds from sale of surplus assets 359 (71) (including investment property and real estate developments and non-current assets held for resale) 820 1,730

Net lending / (borrowing) for financial year 2,054 3,158

Note 15 - Operating leases _

Lease payment commitments of Council Council has entered into non-cancellable operating leases for various items of computer and other plant and equipment. No lease imposes any additional restrictions on Council in relation to additional debt or further leasing. Leases in relation to computer and office equipment permit Council, at expiry of the lease, to elect to re-lease, return or acquire the equipment leased No lease contains any escalation clause. Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases that have not been recognised in the financial statements are as follows:

140 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 15 - Operating leases (continued) _

2019 2018 $’000 $’000 Not later than one year 49 28 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 212 18 Later than 5 years - - 261 46

Note 16 - Superannuation _

The Council makes employer superannuation Salarylink as determined by the Fund’s Trustee contributions in respect of its employees to based on advice from the appointed Actuary. the superannuation scheme selected by the The rate is currently 6.3% (6.3% in 2018) of employee. The default Superannuation Fund is “superannuation” salary. Statewide Super (formerly Local Government In addition, Council makes a separate Superannuation Scheme). There are two types of contribution of 3% of ordinary time earnings membership, each of which is funded differently. for Salarylink members to their accumulation Permanent and contract employees of the account plus an additional 1% per enterprise South Australian Local Government sector with bargaining agreement. Employees also make Salarylink benefits prior to 24 November 2009 member contributions to the Salarylink section have the option to contribute to the Accumulation of the Fund. As such, assets accumulate in section and/or Salarylink. All other employees the Salarylink section of the Fund to meet the (including casuals) have all contributions member’s benefits, as defined in the Trust Deed, allocated to the Accumulation section. as they accrue. Accumulation only Members The Salarylink section is a multi-employer Accumulation only members receive both sponsored plan. As the Salarylink section’s assets employer and employee contributions on a and liabilities are pooled and are not allocated progressive basis. Employer contributions are by each employer, and employees may transfer based on a fixed percentage of ordinary time to another employer within the local government earnings in accordance with superannuation sector and retain membership of the Fund, the guarantee legislation (9.50% in 2019 and 2018) Actuary is unable to allocate benefit liabilities, and enterprise bargaining agreement (1% in 2019 assets and costs between employers. As provided and 2018). No further liability accrues to the by AASB 119.32(b), Council does not use defined Council as the superannuation benefits accruing benefit accounting for these contributions. to employees are represented by their share of The most recent actuarial investigation was the net assets of the Fund. conducted by the Fund’s actuary, Louise Salarylink (Defined Benefit Fund) Members Campbell, FIAA, of Willie Towers Watson as at 30 June 2018. The Trustee has determined that Salarylink is a defined benefit scheme where the the current funding arrangements are adequate benefit payable is based on a formula determined for the expected Salarylink liabilities. However, by the member’s contribution rate, number of future financial and economic circumstances may years and level of contribution and final average require changes to Council’s contribution rates at salary. Council makes employer contributions to some future time.

141 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 16 - Superannuation (continued) _

Contributions to other superannuation is subject to a deductible “insurance excess”, the schemes amount of which varies according to the class of insurance. Council also makes contributions to other superannuation schemes selected by employees Council has recognised the potential losses under the “choice of fund” legislation. All such arising from claims known at reporting date schemes are of the accumulation type, where based on average historical net cost (including the superannuation benefits accruing to the insurance excess) of similar types of claims. employee are represented by their share of the Other potential claims not reported to Council net assets of the scheme, and no further liability may have existed at reporting date. attaches to the Council. 3. Bank guarantees Council has guaranteed certain loans and other banking facilities advanced to community Note 17 - Contingencies and assets and organisations and sporting bodies, amounting to $110,000 (2018: $110,000) at reporting date. liabilities not recognised in the balance sheet _ Council does not expect to incur any loss arising from these guarantees. 4. Legal expenses The following assets and liabilities do not Council is the relevant planning authority for qualify for recognition in the Balance Sheet but its area pursuant to the Development Act 1993. knowledge of those items is considered relevant Certain persons aggrieved by a planning decision to users of the financial report in making and of Council may appeal against the decision to the evaluating decisions about the allocation of Environment, Resources and Development Court. scarce resources. It is normal practice as part of these proceedings 1. Land under roads that parties bear their own legal costs. At the As reported elsewhere in these Statements, date of these reports, Council has not received Council is of the opinion that it is not possible notice of any appeals against planning decisions to attribute a value sufficiently reliably for these made prior to reporting date. All known costs assets to qualify for recognition, and accordingly have been recognised, but the amount of further land under roads has not been recognised in costs cannot be known until the appeals are these reports. Land acquired for road purposes determined. during the year is initially recognised at cost, 5. Community and Recreation Hub but transferred to fair value at reporting date, On 25 March 2019, Council signed a grant effectively writing off the expenditure. agreement with the Commonwealth Government At reporting date, Council controlled 228 that commits Council to capital spending of kilometres of road reserves of average width 20 $13,766,000 for the proposed Community and metres. Recreation Hub, intended to be completed in 2. Potential insurance losses 2021. In good faith, all design and specification work is continuing to allow for tender documents Council is a multi-purpose organisation providing to be prepared and the commitment of funds will a large range of buildings, parks infrastructure, only be confirmed when Council endorses the playgrounds and other facilities accessible to the tender outcomes and enters into a construction public. At any time, it is likely that claims will have contract with a third party in the 2019/2020 been made against Council that remain unsettled. financial year. Council insures against all known insurable risks using a range of insurance policies, each of which

142 NOTES TO AND FORMNG PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 Note 18 - Related party disclosures _

Key management personnel The key management personnel of the Council include the Mayor, Councillors, CEO and certain prescribed officers under Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1999. In all, 23 persons were paid the following total compensation:

2019 2018 $’000 $’000 Salaries, allowances & other short term benefits 1,311 1,169 Post-employment benefits 126 96 Long term benefits 91 12 Termination benefits - 148 Total 1,528 1,425

Parties related to key management personnel Two key management personnel and/or relatives of key management personnel are members in organisations that received Council support in the year, e.g. through sponsorship of community and sporting. Key management personnel and/or relatives of key management personnel own retail businesses from which various supplies were purchased as required either for cash or on 30 day account. These purchases were made on normal commercial terms on an arms length basis. No individual purchases from these businesses exceeded $1,746 during the year. No key management personnel or close family member (including related parties) lodged a planning application during the year.

143

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the members of the City of Mount Gambier

Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial report of the City of Mount Gambier, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2019, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the Council Certificate of the City of Mount Gambier.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report presents fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the Council as at 30 June 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards, Local Government Act 1999 and Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.

Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s sosiiitis or t Audit o t ii ort section of our report. We are independent of the Council in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 od o tis or rossio Aoutts (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Council’s Responsibility for the Financial Report Council is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 and for such internal control as Council determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, Council is responsible for assessing the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless Council either intends to liquidate the Council or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Council’s financial reporting process.

144

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the members of the City of Mount Gambier

Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial report of the City of Mount Gambier, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2019, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the Council Certificate of the City of Mount Gambier.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report presents fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the Council as at 30 June 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards, Local Government Act 1999 and Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.

Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s sosiiitis or t Audit o t ii ort section of our report. We are independent of the Council in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 od o tis or rossio Aoutts (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Council’s Responsibility for the Financial Report Council is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 and for such internal control as Council determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, Council is responsible for assessing the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless Council either intends to liquidate the Council or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Council’s financial reporting process.

145

uitors Responsibility for the uit of the Financial Report ur obectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free fro material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. easonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a aterial isstateent when it eists isstateents can arise fro fraud or error and are considered aterial if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be epected to influence the econoic decisions of users taen on the basis of this financial report

As part of an audit of the financial report in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, we eercise professional udgeent and aintain professional scepticis throughout the audit e also • Identify and assess the riss of aterial isstateent of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perfor audit procedures responsive to those riss, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion he ris of not detecting a aterial isstateent resulting fro fraud is higher than for one resulting fro error, as fraud ay involve collusion, forgery, intentional oissions, isrepresentations, or the override of internal control • btain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circustances, but not for the purpose of epressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Council’s internal control. • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estiates and related disclosures ade by anageent • Conclude on the appropriateness of Council’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a aterial uncertainty eists related to events or conditions that ay cast significant doubt on the Council’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadeuate, to odify our opinion ur conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions ay cause the Council to cease to continue as a going concern • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a anner that achieves fair presentation

e counicate with those charged with governance regarding, aong other atters, the planned scope and tiing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit

CC R C

i uhlhausler CA egistered Copany Auditor Partner

10 01

146

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the Members of the City of Mount Gambier

Independent Assurance report on the Internal Controls of the City of Mount Gambier

Opinion We have audited the compliance of the City of Mount Gambier with the requirements of Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls established by the Council to ensure that financial transactions relating to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of liabilities for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 have been conducted properly and in accordance with law.

In our opinion, the City of Mount Gambier has complied, in all material respects, with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation to Internal Controls established by the Council in relation to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of liabilities so as to provide reasonable assurance that the financial transactions of the Council have been conducted properly and in accordance with law for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 .

Basis for Opinion We conducted our engagement in accordance with applicable Australian Standards on Assurance Engagements ASAE 3100 Compliance Engagements, issued by the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, in order to state whether, in all material respects, the Council has complied with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls specified above for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 . ASAE 3100 also requires us to comply with the relevant ethical requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.

We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

The Council’s Responsibility for Internal controls The Council is responsible for implementing and maintaining an adequate system of internal controls, in accordance with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 to ensure that the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property, and incurring of liabilities have been conducted properly and in accordance with law.

Our Independence and Quality Control We have complied with the independence and other relevant ethical requirements relating to assurance engagements, and apply Auditing Standard ASQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Reports and Other Financial Information, and Other Assurance Engagements in undertaking this assurance engagement.

147

Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Council’s compliance with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls established by the Council to ensure that financial transactions relating to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of liabilities, based on our procedures. Our engagement has been conducted in accordance with applicable Australian Standards on Assurance Engagements ASAE 3100 Compliance Engagements, issued by the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, in order to state whether, in all material respects, the Council has complied with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal Controls specified above for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 . ASAE 3100 also requires us to comply with the relevant ethical requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.

Our procedures included obtaining an understanding of controls in relation to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, the acquisition and disposal of property and the incurring of liabilities, evaluating management's assessment of these controls, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and implementation of controls on a sample basis based on the assessed risks.

iitations of Controls Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control structure it is possible that, even if the controls are suitably designed and operating effectively, the control objectives may not be achieved so that fraud, error, or non-compliance with laws and regulations may occur and not be detected. An assurance engagement on controls is not designed to detect all instances of controls operating ineffectively as it is not performed continuously throughout the period and the tests performed are on a sample basis. Any projection of the outcome of the evaluation of controls to future periods is subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with them may deteriorate.

iitation of se This report has been prepared for the members of the Council in Accordance with Section 129 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation to the Internal Controls Specified above. We disclaim any assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report to any persons or users other than the members of the Council, or for any purpose other than which it was prepared

I CCTT ITR I CTT

Ti uhlhausler CA, Registered Company Auditor Partner

22 / 10 / 2019

CITY OF MOUNT GAMBIER

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 June 2019

STATEMENT BY AUDITOR

I confirm that, for the audit of the financial statements of City of Mount Gambier for the year ended 30 June 2019, I have maintained my independence in accordance with the requirements of APES 110 – Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, Section 290, published by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 made under that Act. This statement is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 22 (5) Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.

Timothy Muhlhausler Galpins, Accountants, Auditors and Business Consultants

Dated this 22nd day of October 2019

149 City of Mount Gambier Annual Report 2018/2019

10 Watson Terrace (PO Box 56) Mount Gambier SA 5290

Phone 08 8721 2555 Design/print: juliareader.com.au Email [email protected] Photography: Ockert le Roux (cover photos) www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au ISSN 1834-0903